Robert "Bob" John Arlen

Robert “Bob” J. Arlen, 82, Wausau, was taken into the loving arms of the Lord with his family by his side the night of Monday, April 24, 2023.

Bob was born March 31, 1941 in Wausau, son of the late John and Dorothy (Burns) Arlen.  Bob was a 1960 graduate of Newman High School. On May 25, 1963, he married the love of his life, Gail Altenburg at St. Paul Catholic Church in Mosinee. She preceded him in death on July 31, 2011.

Bob was an exceptionally kind and compassionate man who would help anyone in need. It was impossible not to love him. 

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed deer hunting and playing cribbage any chance he could. On July 4, 1976, Bob played a top hand – 29! – while playing cribbage. Special celebrations with the family were among his most treasured moments. He was also an avid Milwaukee Brewer and Green Bay Packer fan.

For 45 years, Bob worked as a welder for Zimpro (acquired by Siemens) in Rothschild, until his retirement. He was a longtime member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and a member of the St. Matthew Men’s Club.  He was also a member and officer of the Knights of Columbus Wausau Council #1069, the Fourth Degree Assembly #1449, and past member of the honor guard.   For 63 years, Bob was the caretaker of St. Joseph and St. Michael cemeteries in Wausau.        

Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Survivors include three children: Mark (Sherri) Arlen, Hartland; Lori (Scott) Zimick, Wausau; and Lisa (Randall) Lang, Wausau; five grandchildren: Alicia (Andrew) Westphal, Oconomowoc; Jessica (Paul) Roever, Hartland, Bobbi Jo Zimick, Wausau; Justin (Kimberly) Lang, Ocoee, FL; and Travis Lang, Wausau; four great-grandchildren: Alexander, William, Elijah, and Aurora; two siblings, Gerald (Kay) Arlen and Bonnie Sattler; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one sister, Joyce Worgull.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau with a rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital: the Emergency Medical Technicians, Emergency Department staff, and the MSICU team for all the outstanding care and support for Bob and his family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Bob’s memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.