Arlene Ellen Dietz

Arlene Ellen Dietz, age 93, of rural Lanark, Illinois, went home to her Lord and Savior on March 24, 2018. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. A memorial visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Hospice Care of America, 3815 N Mulford Rd. #4, Rockford, IL 61114.

Arlene lived most of her life in Lanark, coming from the Walnut and Harmon, Illinois area. Bud, her devoted husband of 75 years, was continually by her side during her last week of life. Her children and grandchildren provided care and comfort during her final days. She was a woman greatly loved as was demonstrated by the many children, their spouses, grandchildren and friends who came to say their goodbyes. Her devotion to her family knew no bounds. Her family was her life. She was a very gracious lady and had the ability to make anyone who met her feel comfortable and accepted.

She was a woman of great faith. When her twelve children were small, and she wasn’t able to watch them as she wanted, she simply turned them over to God’s care and asked him to protect them which He did given the many close calls they had. They all grew to adulthood, healthy and with only minor mishaps along the way. Music was an important part of her life. Her ability to play the piano, organ and guitar was amazing given she never took lessons and was able to play beautifully by ear. Her husband and children received a blessing every time she gathered them around to play and sing. One of her greatest joys in her later years was hosting Hoe Down’s where she, her children and neighbors would play various instruments and sing. Her awesome cooking and baking abilities were known throughout several counties. She was greatly loved and respected in the community as was demonstrated last September at her and Bud’s 75th wedding anniversary celebration where over 100 people attended to share in their celebration.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Bud; her twelve children, Carol Dietz, Nancy (Steve) Shellhause, Jane (Mike) Mullins, Bill (Deb) Dietz, Larry (Julie) Dietz, Ed (Pat) Dietz, Bob (Nancy) Dietz, Rick (Sandy) Dietz, Connie (Bob) Zuck, Linda ( Monte) Ballard, Don (Vonnie) Dietz, Anita (Bill) Pinnow; her 33 grandchildren, (two of whom are deceased); 54 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brothers, Elmer and Merle (Anita) Von Holten, and her sister, Lois Fulfs. She is predeceased by her parents, Carl and Beulah Von Holten; brothers, Bill, Ray, Ed, Les and Roland Von Holten; and her sister, Minnie Toben.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Werckle and Hospice Care of America for the outstanding care that was given to her. She appreciated her aid, Sheryl, for the care she received. A special and heartfelt thank you goes out to her nurse, Nick, who went far above and beyond being her caregiver. He became part of the family and a dear friend.