Arlene Frances Wacholz, 82, of New Richland died Wednesday, June 8, 2016 in Traditions II in Owatonna.

Arlene was born Sept. 29, 1933 in Waseca, to Jacob and Frances (Echternach) Hoelz. She grew up and graduated from high school in New Richland. She attended teacher training for one year in Austin, and began teaching in a one-room school in rural New Richland while she was still only 18 years old. She later graduated from Mankato State College, the first member of her family to receive a four-year degree.

On August 3, 1957 she married Leonard Wacholz of Kiester and the couple settled on a farm in the New Richland area. She enjoyed quilting and needlework, as well as gardening and working outside in the yard. She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at age 47, and courageously survived two recurrences as well as Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and macular degeneration before succumbing to Parkinson’s.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Leonard; Children Lane (Sarah) Wacholz of New Richland, Lisa (Lee) Aase of Austin and Lynn (Kris) Wacholz of New Richland, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, and sister Avis Rugroden of New Richland.

A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New Richland. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. the following day at the church, with Rev. Scott Williams officiating.