MADISON - Arlene Joan (Bender) Patzer, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

Arlene was born on June 6, 1932, the daughter of Delbert B. Bender, Sr. and Susan G. (Paulson) Bender. She graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1950. Arlene eloped after graduation and married John T. Patzer in Iowa on their way to Oregon. Arlene was initially a domestic goddess, then worked at J.C. Penney and other jobs, and finally worked 27 years for the State of Wisconsin, retiring as a supervisor in Equal Rights and Labor Standards.

Arlene and her husband were native Madisonians, and both served in the Peace Corps. They lived most of their lives in Madison. She loved to paint and collect art and displayed her artwork at art shows. When her children were young, she stage-managed plays in the basement, where the neighborhood kids would have roles and their parents were the audience. When hosting children's birthday parties, she'd have them "fish" down the clothes chute, where she'd attach a bag of goodies for each of them. Neighborhood kids helped themselves to breakfast before anyone else was up. Her door was always open and her heart always ready to listen to anyone. She will be so missed by her family and friends. In later life Arlene enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing in Euchre tournaments, traveling, and spending time in casinos.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, John; her brothers, Delbert Bender, Jr., Richard (Dixie) Bender and Donald (Joann) Bender; her sister, Linda L. Gerber; her brothers-in-law, Robert A. Patzer and Charles (Gladys) Patzer; and sister-in-law, Marian (Stan) Bran. She is survived by her daughters, Diane Christen of Madison, Alynn Patzer of Madison, and Patty (Dennis) Stephenson of Lake City, Iowa; son, Perry (Iryna) Patzer of Avon, Ind.; grandchildren, Brent Aide, Carlie (Dave) Love, John (Nhi Tran) Berray, Michelle Stephenson, Stephanie Stephenson-Thomas, Matthew (Victoria) Stephenson, Kyle (Courtney) Stephenson and Yevgen Monakhov; many great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. A brief memorial service will follow. Burial will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Arlene Joan Patzer

June 06, 1932 - September 12, 2022

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