Arlene (Haas) Menard, age 78, of Eau Claire, died at Syverson Nursing Home, on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, under the care of Mayo Clinic Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Andrew & Elizabeth (Freismuth) Haas of Onalaska, Arlene was born on May 5, 1937, the eighth of ten children. In her young life, Arlene was orphaned after the loss of her mother at the age of two. She lived at St. Michael's orphanage in La Crosse until the age of 11. Arlene graduated from Regis High school in 1955. She sang in the choir and played the cello. As a young woman she was a waitress at Crosstown Cafe. On November 7, 1970, she married Thomas J. Menard. After 37 years of marriage, Tom passed away October 11, 2007. They shared a great love for each other and his children and grandchildren. They farmed together in the Town of Wheaton, Chippewa County, on the Menard homestead farm. They traveled together to go fishing, bus trips out west and to Washington DC. Her favorite places to go were to Farm and Fleet and the Old Country Buffet. They even went to Lambeau Field to cheer on their beloved Green and Gold. Arlene, along with her husband Tom, delivered produce from their garden and were affectionately known as the traveling farmers market. In recent years, Arlene was reunited with her birth daughter, which brought much joy and happiness in Arlene's later life. Arlene loved her step-children, their spouses and grandchildren, and only knew them as her own. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlene was very thankful for their love care and kindness throughout the years. Her family affectionately called her "Poopsie". Arlene was known for her farmer's breakfast, pickled beets, and potato salad. She loved music, reading novels, playing Smear, Bingo, watching Family Feud and Let's Make a Deal, and Church and music programs. In the last seven years, she resided at Orchard Hills and Dove Healthcare West. Throughout her illnesses, Arlene was one of the most content patients, except for needing to know where her bell was. She had an extraordinary giggle, blue eyes, singing voice, smile and big heart. She passed away while listening to her favorite song "The Blue Skirt Waltz", and running to be with her beloved Tom, to dance with him once again. "God sent His Angel messenger out on a mid-May day. He came to take a faithful soul on her last, final day." Arlene is survived by her daughter, Tammy (Bill) Singer of Stevens Point, WI; beloved step-children, Tom (Diane) Menard, Delores Wickham, Debbie (Andrew) Skelton, Jim (Pat) Menard, and Ron (June) Menard all of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Hannah Singer, Rory Singer, Andrew (Emily) Skelton, James Menard, Brian (Renee) Menard, Jody (Adam) Kautza, Laura (Matt) Schuebel, Jen (Jason) Quisberg, Joel (fiancée Katie Larson) Menard, Matthew (Lindsay) Wickham, Mark (Kevin) Ogburn, Tony Menard and Lindsay Menard; great-grandchildren, Josh, Haley, Ayden, Nolan, Maylana, Emmit, Easton, Hannah, Lyla, Kate and Lana. Arlene is further survived by nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 am, on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street in Eau Claire, with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will take place on Monday, May 18, 2015, from 4 to 7 pm, with a Public Prayer Service at 7 pm, at the WEST CHAPEL location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire, and again one hour before prior to the Mass Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

St. Patrick's Cemetery 2000 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Monday, May 18 2015 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Tuesday, May 19 2015 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Tuesday, May 19 2015 11:30 AM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703