Arlene Ruth Wilds

1927 - 2025

Arlene Ruth (Zabel) Wilds

November 17, 1927 - January 19, 2025

PORTAGE - Arlene Ruth (Zabel) Wilds, age 97, fell asleep in death on January 19, 2025, at her home in Portage, Wis.

Arlene was born on November 17, 1927, to Oscar and Ruth Zabel. She spent most of her childhood in Rio, Wis., and graduated from Rio High School. Arlene then moved to Madison, Wis. and began her lifelong secular career with what is now known as U.S. Bank.

In Madison is where Arlene met the love of her life, Selmer (Sam) Wilds. They were married June 22, 1947, and raised their family in the town of West Port. Arlene started studying with Jehovah's Witnesses and in 1956 she dedicated her life to Jehovah by water baptism. Sam followed her shortly after. Arlene retired from the bank after dedicating over 50 years and her and Sam sold their house in 1996 that they raised their family in West Port and moved to Portage, Wis., where they had their little piece of Paradise.

Arlene and Sam enjoyed the peaceful country and in 2004 Sam fell asleep in death.

Arlene had continued to live in Portage and shared her love of Jehovah with as many as she could. Arlene also spent most of her time tending to her flowers and pulling weeds. Oh, those weeds.

She will be surely missed.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ruth Zabel; her husband, Selmer (Sam) Wilds; her daughter, Susan Wilds; her granddaughter, Antonia Felland. She is survived by her sisters, Alice (Zabel) McPeek, Shirley (Zabel) Hoel; her son, Kenneth (Debbie) Wilds; daughter, Linda (Larry) Wingers; daughter, Elaine Cross; many grand and great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses W10326 WI 16 Portage, Wis. 53901. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Light luncheon will follow the service.

Kratz Funeral Home-Portage (www.kratzfuneralhome.com) is assisting with arrangements.