Arlene Vernetta (Wurdeman) Wilke, 96, of Columbus, Nebraska, died, September 18, 2024, at Brookstone Acres in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on September 25, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Columbus, with Rev. William Voelker officiating.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery.  Visitation Will be on September 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus and will continue from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.  There will be a family prayer service at 9:45 a.m. at the church.  In lieu of flowers, plaques or stones, the family has requested that memorials be given to Christ Lutheran Cornerstone Center.  The service will be broadcast live on Christ Lutheran Church Facebook Pages.

Arlene was born on January 11, 1928, to Adolf and Bertha (Sander) Wurdeman at the family farm north of Columbus, Nebraska.  She was baptized on January 28, 1928, at Christ Lutheran Church, Columbus, Nebraska.  She was confirmed on May 4, 1941, at Christ Lutheran Church and promised to live her entire life as a child of God.  She attended Christ Lutheran School through the 8th grade.  She attended Columbus High School and graduated in May, 1945.  She worked at the Columbus Telegram until 1947.

On September 28, 1947, Arlene and Victor Leroy Wilke were united in marriage at Christ Lutheran Church, Columbus.  They spent the early years of their marriage farming 4 miles north of Columbus at the area now known as Lake North.  In 1962, they moved their family and farming operation a few miles northwest where they lived, farmed and raised their family until they retired.

Arlene was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church.  Through the years, she was a member of Walther League, Choir, Altar Guild, Ladies Aid, and LWML.  She held numerous offices in these groups and could always be counted on to volunteer or assist when needed.  Arlene was an avid gardener of vegetables and flowers.  In grade school she joined the Candlelighters 4-H club.  In 1954 she became a member of the Lamplighters Extension Club, this same group continued to meet through the years until 2020.  She was a leader of the Glowing Candles 4-H Club and assisted with 4-H judging at the Platte County Fair.

In 1980, Arlene and Vic retired from the farm and moved to Columbus.  Arlene worked for American Charter for 14 years as a Savings Counselor.  In retirement they spent time with family and friends, especially enjoying time with their grandchildren.  She enjoyed card and board games, in which she excelled.  She regularly met with friends and family to play cards and board games until her passing.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Deb (Gene Iwen) Wilke of Columbus; daughter, Ginette (Pat) Pommier of St. Martinville, LA; daughter-in-law, Kay Wilke of Columbus; six grandchildren, Nick (Jen) Wilke of Waverly, NE, Natalie (Joe) Hornung of Columbus, Kirk (Melissa) Wilke of Lincoln, NE, Janessa (Cory) Baudoin of Loreauville, LA, Lucas (Lauren) Pommier of St. Martinville, LA., and Hal Pommier (fiancé Nikki Bourgeois) of Lafayette, LA. Fourteen great- grandchildren, Brecken and Owen Wilke; Hadley and Hudson Hornung; Caiden Baudoin; Cruz, Amalee and Vance Pommier; Damien (Eran) Wylder, Maverick (Fiancé Kennedy VanScoy) Wylder; Sadie, Grant, Griffin, Peyton Pommier.   Sister, Norine (Jerry) Bydalek; Sisters-in-law, Marlene Wilke and Corinne Wurdeman both of Columbus. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Arlene was preceded in death by an infant sister, Velma;  her parents, Adolf and Bertha Wurdeman; her husband, Victor Wilke; son, Barry Wilke; Brother, Don Wurdeman; and Grandson, Chuck Pommier.