Arlene Lavonne Wiedel

Arlene Lavonne Wiedel, a beacon of love and kindness, whose life journey began on June 25, 1940, in Pueblo, Colorado, has completed her earthly chapter on October 13, 2025, in Orange, California. Her story is one of enduring love, unwavering faith, and the joy of family, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and warm the hearts of those who knew her.
It was in the vibrant city of Pueblo where Arlene's life was shaped by education, community, and the blossoming of a love story that would define her years. She met her soulmate, Richard Paul Wiedel, and together they crafted a narrative of love that would span over five decades. The couple's shared dreams and passions led them to the sun-kissed landscapes of California, where they built a life filled with companionship and mutual support, cherishing each moment until Richard's passing in 2011.
Arlene's professional journey was marked by dedication and service as she worked for PacBell, connecting lives as a telephone operator. Her career, which extended beyond 40 years, saw her embrace various roles with grace and excellence. Even after an early retirement, Arlene's influence continued to resonate within the community she had served so faithfully.
A woman of profound interests, Arlene found solace and adventure in the pages of romance novels. She and Richard were the life of the party in their younger years, cultivating friendships and memories during neighborhood gatherings that became a cherished staple of their social life. As the seasons of life shifted, so did Arlene's focus, with her grandchildren becoming the center of her universe. The warmth of her home-cooked meals and the depth of her care for her grandchildren became the fabric of their daily lives.
Arlene's wisdom was a guiding light, offering the perfect words at the perfect time, a compass for her daughter and a map for her grandchildren to navigate life's complexities. This wisdom was a reflection of her deep faith; as a devout Catholic, Arlene's spiritual foundation was laid in her youth and sustained her through regular Mass attendance and a life lived in accordance with her beliefs.
Describing Arlene can only begin with the words loving, kind, and faith-filled. Her presence was a testament to the power of love and the strength of faith. Her ability to touch lives, to inspire through action and words, and to love without reserve made her a pillar of her community and a treasure to her family.
Today, we celebrate Arlene Lavonne Wiedel, a woman whose journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to her loved ones and her faith. She is survived and cherished by her daughter Kalie Riggin Greer and her husband Jim Greer; her grandsons, Christopher and Coddy Riggin; her daughter Cayla Riggin; and her great-granddaughter Keelie Riggin. Her spirit, a gentle yet powerful force, will continue to guide them, as she joins her beloved Richard in eternal peace.
In a world that often forgets the importance of genuine connection, Arlene's life stands as a reminder of the beauty that unfolds when we approach each day with love, kindness, and faith. Her story, though unique in its unfolding, shares the universal message that what we invest in relationships and in the betterment of others truly defines the richness of our lives. Let us honor Arlene's memory by embracing these values and living each day with the same purpose and passion that she embodied.
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