Arlene JoAnne Walch

1952 - 2025

Rosary will begin at 10am on Monday, November 10th, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am.

Arlene JoAnne Walch, 73, Hettinger ND, died October 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer (and let's be honest, fireworks were done, and gardening season had ended).

The youngest of nine children, Arlene was born to Jacob and Anna (Mosset) Kraft in Bismarck on January 27, 1952. Because the roads were blocked by snow, Anna and baby Arlene were transported by airplane to the family farm located northwest of Selfridge. Her early years were spent helping to support the farm until moving to Selfridge after her father's passing in 1963. After graduating as valedictorian from Selfridge High School, she continued her education at the North Dakota State College of Science (formerly NDSSS) in Wahpeton, obtaining an LPN degree. It was also during this time she was able to test the corruptibility of the nieces and nephews close to her in age (you know who you are).

After graduation, Arlene moved to Hettinger and started her nursing career with what is now West River Health Services. She was introduced to Russell Walch through family friends and later united in marriage on November 25, 1972, in Selfridge. They established their life on a property one-half mile east of Hettinger. Arlene kept books for Walch Trucking, helped with farm and ranch operations, was active in the community and church, all while balancing her career and raising three sons. As if this wasn't enough, in 1992, Arlene offered to sell fireworks on a whim. The experiment, which started out in the two-car garage, transitioned to the big shop over the 33-year endeavor (to be continued in her honor). After fifty plus years with WRHS, Arlene retired from nursing in December 2022. This did not slow her down but only fueled her continued enthusiasm to actively promote Community Kicking Cancer.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters: Anna Nielsen and husband LeRoy, Edith Flohr and husband John; brothers: Frank (Frances), Tony and wife Jean; sisters-in-law: Karen (Willy) Kraft, Gloria Score and husband Vern, Donna Schaff and husband Nick, Connie Walch, Luella (Dennis) Walch; nephews: Dennis Kraft, Kevin Kraft.

Arlene is survived by her children: Scott (Shiloh), Easley SC; Terry (Valerie Luna), Goodyear, AZ; Nyle (Molly), North Oaks, MN; Grandchildren: Gabe (Zoe) Walch, Sophia Walch, Molly Walch, Emerson Walch, Jacob Walch, Brynlee Walch, Brooklyn Walch, Russell Walch, Edith Walch, Thomas Walch; Siblings: William (friend Pauline) Kraft, Jacob (Vernetta) Kraft, Victor (Kathy) Kraft, Alvin (Betty) Kraft; Brothers-in-law: Wayne (Bonnie) Walch, Dennis (friend Linda) Walch, Sister-in-law: Frances Kraft; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friend Jim Disrud.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests memorials be sent to Community Kicking Cancer (at Gate City Bank in Hettinger), the Holy Trinity Church, or a charity of your choice.