BLANCHARDVILLE - D. Arlene Syse, age 86 of Blanchardville, died on Friday morning, October 23, 2009 at the New Glarus Home. She was born on August 3, 1923 on the Gunderson family farm in Argyle Township, Lafayette County, Wisconsin to Ashley and Mina (Alm) Gunderson. She grew up on the family farm in the rural Argyle-Blanchardville area. Arlene attended the Lattin country school, and then graduated from the Argyle High School at the age of 16 in 1940. She graduated from the Green County Normal School in Monroe, and then taught country school at the Cherry Branch school near Wiota, the Everson school in the Yellowstone area, and the Dougherty Creek school in the Adams area. Arlene was married on February 16, 1946 in the Yellowstone Lutheran Church to Quinten J. Syse. They farmed in rural Blanchardville together for most of their married lives. In 1966, when their children were able to attend school, Arlene returned to teaching at the Blanchardville Grade School. She also returned to college, attending classes at the UW-Platteville to earn her teaching degree, finishing in 1970. In June of 1977 Quinten and Arlene moved in to Blanchardville. She retired from teaching in 1986. Arlene was an active member of the Blanchardville Lutheran Church and Women of the ELCA. She was a past choir director, and choir member, taught Sunday School, and was an avid quilter. Arlene was a member of the Blanchardville women's 500 card club for 50 years. She was an avid gardener, was a great cook, and was well known for her Norwegian baking and Lefse making. She was a member of the Mount Horeb Sons of Norway, Vennalag 513. Her main joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Quinten Syse of Blanchardville; four children, Ron (Ellen) Syse of Blanchardville, Mary Ann (Steve) Thomasson of Elizabeth, Illinois, Jim (Patty) Syse of Blanchardville, and Roger (Deb) Syse of Arlington; a son-in-law, Terry Boehlke of Baraboo; one brother, Ole (Virginia) Gunderson of Edina, Minnesota; one sister, Audrey (Harlow) Gierhart of Mauston; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way). She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Patti Boehlke who died December 21, 2008; and two brothers, Kenneth and Elwood Gunderson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2009 at the Blanchardville Lutheran Church in Blanchardville. Rev. Mark Gruner of the Pecatonica Lutheran Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Blanchardville Lutheran Church in Blanchardville from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank the staff at The New Glarus Home for their support and compassionate care to Arlene for almost three years.

Saether Funeral Home

Blanchardville, WI (608) 523-4247