Arlene Zerkle
Age 94, passed away March 5, 2023. She was born July 4, 1928, in Lansing, to Eric and Florence Mertins. Arlene retired from Lansing Schools after 25 years. She volunteered at University Lutheran Church and at the Sam Corey Senior Center. Arlene enjoyed baking, quilting and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Charles; sister, June Mertins and by her parents. Surviving are: daughters, Sandra Zerkle and Cheryl (Chuck Conner) Zerkle; son, Craig (Kathleen) Zerkle; grandchildren, Sheri Zerkle, Scott (Kerry) Zerkle, Anthony (Laurie) Zerkle; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Kurt Mertins; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, as well as one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, or to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Arlene Zerkle. Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
15 Messages to “Arlene Zerkle”
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Sarah and Dan Russell
March 7, 2023 at 12:56 pmAuntie Arlene will always hold a special place in our hearts. Despite time and distance, she always exchanged personal, loving holiday cards and was such a neat example of leading a long and loving life. Despite not being able to make the journey to attend the services this weekend, our hearts and prayers are with you all. We hope there is comfort in knowing what a full life Arlene lived and how many people loved her.
Joseph V DeSura
March 7, 2023 at 5:19 pmMy confidences Kathy and to your whole family. She sounded like a wonderful woman. Maybe you find comfort in the many memories she has left you.
Donamarie Remus-Hart
March 8, 2023 at 8:26 amI remember good times playing euchre with Arlene. She was fun and a joy to be around. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Carol Adado
March 8, 2023 at 10:58 amI would like to express my condolences to the entire family. I never met her but she sounds like she enjoyed her life and family. May she rest in peace, prayers for all.
Emmie Reifsnyder
March 8, 2023 at 3:37 pmArlene and I crossed paths in many places. Also with Charlie. He was a Lansing firefighter and my husband a police officer. Arlene always smiled and accompanied by a family member.
Jane Wallin
March 8, 2023 at 4:49 pmI met Arlene at the Sam Corey Senior Center and served on the Club Board with her. She was a smart lady and I will miss her. So sorry for your loss.
Patty Farhat and Scott Tobey
March 8, 2023 at 5:20 pmWe will miss you Mrs. Z! A lot. But we know you are at peace now and with God, Charlie, your parents, sister and many, many friends.
Thank you for letting us enjoy and celebrate your birthdays on the 4th of July with the Lugnuts in the suite. We always had a great time with you. 🙂
You were an especially kind person, who always had a smile on her face and we loved hearing you laugh.
You have left a legacy that will not be forgotten. You never met a stranger. You looked at the bright side of life and embraced it. God bless you.
May you see the face of God this day.
With all our love,
Patty and Scott
xoxoxo
Shirley Dillsworth tucker
March 8, 2023 at 8:42 pmMiss you my friend. Will miss our talks on phone. Worked with her at sparrow gift shop.,was great fun. Went to Lutheran church . I’m so glad she is with my LORD now.
Bruce Haskell
March 9, 2023 at 9:37 amThoughts and prayers to the entire family. Craig, I fondly remember our days as kids in the neighborhood, although it seems like an eternity ago. Take care my old friend.
Rosemary Smith
March 9, 2023 at 10:43 amSandy,
All those years that you and I have been friends, it is hard to believe I did not know your beloved mother. I’m so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Much Love and Hugs,
Rosemary
Jan Passmore
March 9, 2023 at 12:30 pmSandy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We Love You,
Jan Passmore
Jessica & Kurt Rupprecht
Sharon Mauro
March 9, 2023 at 8:38 pmSandy,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My heart aches for your loss. I just lost my mother on Feb. 14 and she was also 94. No matter the age, it is still a huge void. May your fond memories get you through the days to come. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sharon L Mauro
Mark & Kim Jenks
March 11, 2023 at 2:39 pmWe were saddened to hear about the loss of Arlene. Our deepest condolences to her family. So sorry we are out of state, or we would have been there to pay our last respects. Arlene was a warm, friendly and caring person who we thought of as family. She always had a positive attitude, great sense of humor and a big smile. She was an attribute to the Sam Corey Senior Center and held a position on the senior club board to the end. She also made the BEST chocolate peanut clusters every Christmas that we were lucky enough to be gifted with. She will be dearly missed by all of us at the center.
Steve D Parks
March 13, 2023 at 9:05 pmMy deepest condolences. My parents were Don and Sally Parks, dad was a fireman, and I remember many times being with the Zerkle’s.
Bonnie (Fairchild) Koeppe
November 13, 2023 at 8:36 pmSandy, Cheri, Craig I am so sorry to send condolences so late. I just found out your mom passed back in March. I have many memories of your cottage at Chippewa Lake and the many times our families got together. I’ll never forget her laugh. Our mom passed 2 years ago, and would’ve been 94
this month. It’s tough losing a parent. I pray for your comfort.