In Memory of Arlene Wonder

Arlene Wonder, age 78, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at her residence of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Private Family Services will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Shari O’Bannon will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa.  The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Arlene Lois Wonder was born on Friday, February 13, 1942, to Guy and Virginia (Wunschel) Carlson. She was the oldest of five children. Arlene attended country school at Blaine No. 9 until the 6^th grade and she transferred to town school. She graduated from Ida Grove High School with the class of 1960 and started working at the local newspaper the Pioneer Record in Ida Grove where she worked until its closing in 1995. Arlene then worked at VT Industries until she retired in 2009.

On August 26, 1961, Arlene married James Wonder in Battle Creek, Iowa. They made their home north of Battle Creek until 1965. The couple then moved to Ida Grove where she has resided up until present.  Jim and Arlene had three daughters: Sheryl, Valarie, and Ann.

Arlene was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Ida Grove. She taught Sunday school, Bible school, and served as an elder in the church.

Arlene enjoyed NASCAR (Jimmie Johnson), crocheting (she made countless afghans, towels and other beautiful crafts throughout her life), reading and genealogy. Her favorite pastime was playing with her great-grandson, Xavier, which gave her many smiles and hours of joy.

Survivors include daughters: Sheryl Wonder and Valarie Wonder of Ida Grove, IA; Ann Wonder of Arthur, IA; and chosen son, Steve Kallas of Ida Grove, IA; grandchildren: Alexis Pereira, Aarika (Josh) Blunk, Brittany Pereira and Adam Wonder (special friend, Cindy); and great-grandson Xavier Blunk. Other survivors included one brother, Ron Carlson of Odebolt, IA; three sisters: Shirley Havener, LuAnn Smith, and Marilyn (Dan) Dose all of Ida Grove, IA.

Other survivors include sisters-in-law: Marlene (Dick) Lake of Iowa City, IA, Phyllis (Don) Sargent of Spearfish, SD and Julie Wonder (John) of Ida Grove, IA; brothers-in-law: George Wonder of Henrietta, NY; Verne Schroeder of Sioux City, IA and Herb Bathke of Lincoln, NE. Also surviving are one aunt, an uncle, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding her in death are husband, James (1982); parents, Guy and Virginia Carlson; parents-in-law, George and Ferne Wonder; sisters-in-law: Barbara Schroeder, Janice Bathke, Linda Minor, Carol Wonder and Vickie Carlson; and nephews: Mike Hendricks, Darren Minor and Kevin Smith.