Arlene Brower

Arlene Brower passed away peacefully in her home, right where she wanted to be, early Sunday morning September 21st.

She was born Arlene Helen Kelzer March 2, 1950, at the Watertown Hospital to Edward and Viola (Bruns) Kelzer. Arlene grew up in "the city" ransacking the park, making prank phone calls, and relentlessly being picked on by her brother Arnie. Arlene's nickname was coined by her brother when he would sing the 1922 song lyrics "Toot, toot, Tootsie don't cry; Toot, toot, Tootsie Good-bye!" She attended Willow Lake School, was senior class president, and graduated in 1968. She attended one year at Northern State College in Aberdeen and studied social work. During the summer, she worked as a carhop at the local Drive-In which still stands today. There, she became more acquainted with Jerry Brower. After one date, she said she would never go out with him again. Well, 6 months later, his persistence paid off, and she agreed to go to a movie with him over Christmas break because there was "no one else around." The rest is history, and the two were united in marriage in Bryant on December 27, 1969.

Arlene joined Jerry on the family farm. Shortly thereafter, they were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Jennifer. Ten years later, the couple was surprised by their tagalong, Kathy. The couple lived and farmed in Hague Township for about 45 years raising small grain and Hereford cattle. Arlene took great pride in keeping her yard well mowed and maintained beautiful flower beds. She was known as a great baker and cook specializing in buttermilk brownies, Christmas cookies, fryer donuts, and Indian tacos. Arlene was an avid reader known for her extensive book collection and loved crossword puzzles. In addition to farm life, Arlene worked at the Willow Lake School and the Bryant Nursing Home in environmental services. Arlene was known to arrive as "Ruby" at the nursing home on Halloween to bring joy and laughter to the residents.

Arlene also enjoyed her random jobs of painting houses and mowing the cemetery. She retired around 2012 to provide full-time care to her husband Jerry. After his death, Arlene made her move back to the city where she enjoyed her golf cart and coffee time with the ladies. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church and Alter Society in Willow Lake until its closing then attended St. Mary's in Bryant. Arlene will be remembered particularly for her wit and laughter. She loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband Jerry, parents, siblings Arnie and the six babies, and her in-laws Ray and Ruth Brower, sister in-law Jean (Myron) Edleman, and brother in-law Verdon Kretzschmar.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her children, Lisa (Jeff) Clauson of Sioux Falls and children, Joslynn (Russell) and daughter Eleanor of Plano, TX & Rosemarie (Jacob) of Wylie, TX, Jennifer (Jeff) Thompson of Omaha, NE and children, Cristian (Alexis) of Lincoln, NE & Carlee of Omaha, NE, and Kathy (Jesse) Van Heukelom and children Maverick, Everett and Ruth of Mattawan, MI. A sister-in-law, Judy Kretzschmar of Sioux Falls also survives along with a host of other relatives.

A special thanks to her caretaker Colleen Holm for helping her stay in her home.

Memorials would be preferred to the Willow Lake Ambulance Service.

A public Celebration of Life service will be held at Collins Cemetery on October 18th at 11AM with lunch following at the Catholic Hall in Willow Lake.

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