Arlene Dykstra Lanenga

1936 - 2024

Arlene Dykstra Lanenga was born Sept. 16, 1936, on the family farm near Stickney, South Dakota. Arlene started working as a nanny at the age of 14. In 1959 she traveled to Washington, D.C. to nanny for eight children. While there, Arlene completed her GED.

In October 1962, she met Peter Lanenga, who was stationed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. They were married Feb. 29, 1964, in Washington, D.C.

Arlene was baptized as a child in the Christian Reform Church in Harrison, South Dakota. She is now a member of Good Shephard Presbyterian Church in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Arlene retired from DCFS in March of 2003 after 20 years of service, and retired from Walmart on Sept. 15, 2007, after 27 years of service.

Arlene is preceded in death by her husband, Peter, on March 20, 2021, after 57 years of marriage; her parents, Jacob and Fanny Dykstra; and her only sibling, Arlo Dykstra. Arlene is survived by dear friends, Mike and Shelly Connelly; nephew, Curtis Dykstra; niece, Mary Elkaumasse; and many more nieces, nephews, great- and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as Pepper.

Funeral/Memorial services will be held at Good Shephard Presbyterian Church in Valparaiso, Indiana, on Oct. 8 from 5 p.m. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service. To sign an online guestbook, visit www. newhardfuneralhome.com.