Arleen M Zuelsdorf

MADISON - Arleen Marion (Krueger) Zuelsdorf, age 94, went home to her heavenly father on July 27, under the care of Agrace Hospice Residential in Fitchburg.

Arleen was born on Sept. 23, 1930, in Beaver Dam, WI to Erwin and Elsie (Zuehlke) Krueger. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1948. On January 31, 1953, Arleen married Gerald Zuelsdorf at St. Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

Over their 60 years of marriage, Arleen and Jerry first lived in San Clemente, CA; Lawton, OK; Fredericksburg, VA during Jerry’s years in the Marines.  After Jerry’s military service, he started his teaching career in Marshall, WI, and Arleen worked in Madison as a bookkeeper for a wholesale supply company.  They eventually settled in Waterford, WI, where they raised their children.  During her time in Waterford, she worked part-time as an administrative assistant at the high school and as a teacher’s assistant for children with dyslexia at the elementary school.  

Beginning in 1984, Arleen and Jerry enjoyed retirement and warmer weather for many years in Destin, FL.  They were “snowbirds” initially, coming back to spend summers at their cabin in Land O’Lakes, WI - their special place for 35 years.  Eventually they became year-round residents in Destin, but with the challenges of many hurricanes, they decided to relocate to Florence, AL in 2004. After the passing of her husband in late 2012, she moved (2015) to Madison, WI to be closer to family and reconnect with her sisters.

Arleen was always active and sitting still was not in her nature.  She enjoyed baking, crocheting, reading, shopping, cribbage, gin rummy, going out to eat, and doing word search puzzles. At her last residence, Park Glen Commons, she was a regular bridge, card, and bingo player.  She lived a faith-filled life and was most recently a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

The family extends a special note of gratitude to her long-time friend and caregiver, Cathie; her Agrace nurse, Mallory; and the caring and dedicated staff of Agrace who made her last days comfortable.

Survivors include her son John (Debra) Zuelsdorf, daughter Jane (Malcolm) McGowan; grandchildren Amy (Nick), Emily (Corey), Dalton (Jessie), great-grandchildren Owen and Arden; sister-in-law Bette Beall; and nieces and nephews. Arleen is preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her parents, and her sisters Georgine Meyers and Deloris Mellenthin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Holy Cross Lutheran Church https://www.holycrossway.org/donate/ or Agrace https://www.agrace.org/donate/.

A memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420