Arlene (Zutter) O'Connell, 84, of Eau Claire passed away under the care of hospice on Saturday, February 9, 2008, at Dove Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation.\r\nShe was born November 25, 1923, to Ewald and Clara (Wendt) Zutter in Eau Claire. Arlene was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church where she had been a member all her life. \r\nArlene graduated from Eau Claire Senior High in 1941. She then worked in the office of White Machine Works until her marriage to Eugene J. O'Connell. \r\nThey both enjoyed attending some of Eugene's army reunions, especially returning to Europe to see some of the places he served in. Las Vegas was also a frequent trip over the years.\r\nShe will be remembered for her love of red, enjoyment of working with ceramics, decorating her home for all the holidays, and the many hours spent teaching and playing games with her children and grandchildren.\r\nArlene was a life auxiliary member of DAV Post #21 in Chippewa Falls.\r\nArlene is survived by her husband, Eugene; four children, Tom (Susan) of Excelsior, MN, Nancy O'Connell of Hopkins, MN, Tim (Julie) of Hartland, WI, and Sandy (Dave) Pieterick of Eau Claire; nine grandchildren, Molly, Kelsey, Hayley, Whitney, Jacob (Darby), Derek, and Abbey O'Connell and Alex and Natalie Pieterick; two sisters-in-law, Madeline Zutter of Stoughton and Dorothy Ann Sloan of Chippewa Falls; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Gert (Chet) Hahn and Bernice (Harold) Johnson; her brother, Ralph Zutter; a niece, Joan Hahn; and a nephew, Bradley Zutter. \r\nHer family would like to thank Dove Healthcare and St. Joseph Hospice for the excellent care they gave Arlene in her final days. Special thanks to the Oakwood Villa Staff for their 19 months of excellent care, we will be forever grateful. Thanks again to St. John's Pastors Alice Hamm and Karen Hofstad, and Intern Pastor Mary Eide. Also Sister Mary Jane of Oakwood Villa and Father John Schultz of St. James the Greater Catholic Church for their spiritual support. \r\nFuneral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Alice Hamm officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, 1804 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, or a charity of your choice.

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