Arlene J. Hardtke

Arlene Jean Hardtke, age 75 of Kaukauna, WI joined her heavenly kingdom on September 26, 2025. She was born to Melvin and Eleanor (Kittell) Hardtke on July 4, 1950 in Kewaunee, WI. After graduating from Kewaunee High School with the class of ’68, she started her bookkeeping career at the Bank of Kewaunee, later moving to Kaukauna and working for the Bank of Kaukauna. She met the love of her life, Ray Hardtke right after high school and they were married in December of 1970. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters.

There was never a dull moment with Arlene. She could take any situation and see the positives in anything. In her free time, she enjoyed piecing together puzzles, playing scrabble, and taking trips to the casino. She volunteered much of her time, both at the Thousand Islands Nature Center and for her church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Kaukauna. Arlene was a devout Christian and God was first in her life, though she always made time for her family and anyone else who needed her help. More than anything, Arlene loved her family and cherished every moment she could spend with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Arlene will be deeply missed by her daughters, Shelly (Stephen) Hopfensperger and Stacey (Greg) Rose; her grandchildren, Erin Hopfensperger, Tara (Nic) Hanson, Amy Hopfensperger, Justin Hopfensperger, Cloie Rose, Trista Rose, Ethan Rose, and Kenzie Rose; her great-grandson, Henry Hanson; her brothers, Bill (Doris) Hardtke and David (Cindy) Hardtke; her siblings-in-law, Jill (Dennis) Clark and Jan (Mike) DeBruin; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

In heaven, Arlene rejoins her husband, Ray Hardtke; her parents, Melvin and Eleanore Hardtke; her parents-in-law, Elroy and Joyce Hardtke; her siblings, Arnie Hardtke, Robert Hardtke, and Marie (Norbert) Gaedtke; her brother-in-law, Tim Hardtke; and her dear friends, Jim and Florance Balck.

A funeral visitation will be held for Arlene from 9-11 AM on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 804 Grignon St, Kaukauna, WI 54130 with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Arlene will be laid to rest with her husband at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Kaukauna, WI.

Arlene’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Pastor Draper, Kathy Carnot, Lynne Collins, and Dr. Michael Panzer for all of the emotional and spiritual support and care they provided when she most needed it.