Arlene Van Baale

Arlene Van Baale, 94, of Newton, died Monday, May 27, 2019, at Nelson Manor. The family will greet friends from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, May 31 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Immediately following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at Newton Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Arlene’s name may be left at the funeral home.

Arlene, the daughter of Clarence and Carrie (Birkenholtz) Fleming, was born Feb. 15, 1925, in rural Newton. She lived most of her life in and around Newton, graduating eighth grade from rural schools in Jasper County. On Feb. 25, 1947, Arlene was united in marriage with Lester G. VanBaale. They were blessed with four children. Arlene and Lester farmed north of Newton before moving into town in March of 1957. She then worked at the Vernon Company for 28 years as a silk screener. Arlene enjoyed crocheting, camping, fishing and dancing.

Those left to honor Arlene’s memory are her children, Wade (Mickey) Van Baale, Kurt (Myra) Van Baale, Ray (Shari) Van Baale and Janet (Rick) Graber, all of Newton; eight grandchildren, Derik (Sarah) Van Baale of Shelby, Mich., Jerry (Tammy) VanBaale of Grinnell, Machelle (Jan) Vos of Newton, Rick (Leslie) Jansen of Omaha, Neb., Chad (Tammie) Jansen of Des Moines, Travis Jansen of West Des Moines, Rachael (Mark) Dickneite of Bloomington, Ill., and Joanna (Dustin) Downing of Grainville, Mo.; 18 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; close family friend, Val Imler; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester, March 5, 1999; sisters, Viola (Fred) Van Baale and Katherine (Henry) Snetslaar; nephew, Morris Van Baale; and great-nephew, T.J. Spain.