Arlene Walter

Arlene Walter
12/06/2025
Arlene Leona (Wiggins) Walter, 96, of Manistee, Michigan, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on December 6, 2025. Arlene was born in Mancelona, Michigan on October 23, 1929, daughter of Gordon and Violet (Weiss) Wiggins.
Arlene grew up in Mancelona before moving to Washington, Michigan. She graduated from Romeo High School, Class of 1947. After high school, Arlene earned her degree as a dental hygienist and worked in that field for several years. On October 6, 1951, Arlene married Wayne Walter in Rochester, Michigan. Wayne and Arlene spent more than 60 years together before his passing on February 14, 2014.
Arlene was an entrepreneur and successful business owner. Arlene and Wayne owned and operated The Sea & Ski in downtown Manistee for many years, which became the Fashion Flair. The couple also owned both Heavenly Fried Chicken and the Dairy Queen in Manistee until their retirement. They could often be found at Big M Ski area giving lessons in their off time.
Following retirement, Arlene and Wayne traveled the world on their sailboat – including the St. Lawrence Seaway, Intracoastal Waterway, and many Caribbean Islands. Arlene was talented in many ways. She loved knitting, quilting, and playing music. She and Wayne loved attending music festivals and traveling together. After sailing, Arlene and Wayne split their time between cottages in Chippewa Lake, Michigan and Port Charlotte, Florida. After Wayne's passing, Arlene returned to Manistee and could often be found playing Bingo, serving at her church, Trinity Lutheran, and spending time with her family.
Arlene is survived by her son, Galen Walter of Newaygo, Michigan; grandchildren Matt (Jenny) Walter of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Keleigh (Joe) Grimm of Fremont, Michigan; great-grandchildren Eden, Josiah, and Emmalyn; siblings June Haack, Donna Meier, Priscilla Staffeld, Michael Wiggins, Maxwell Wiggins, Janet Wiggins, and Sallie (Keith) Rengert; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Arlene was predeceased by her parents Gordon and Violet, husband Wayne, granddaughter Karen Mondrella, sisters Catherine Wolf and Luetta Brough, and brothers Gordon and Jack Wiggins.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Arlene's life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manistee on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 at 1:00pm with Reverend Dennis Rahn officiating. The family will receive guests an hour before the service at the church, and a luncheon will follow.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of arrangements.