• Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, May 8th, 2026 from 10am until the time of service at 11am at St. Paul’s Church (6881 S. 51st St. Franklin Wi).

Arleen Ella Devcich

Arleen Ella Devcich, age 96, passed away on December 9, 2025 at home with family. Arleen
was born on May 9, 1929 to Eldred and Hilda (Gruenewald) Kneser. She grew up on the family
farm on Layton Av, near 35th street. She graduated from Pulaski High School. She worked as
a secretary, and a clerk at Treasure Island store, where she enjoyed special price markdowns
for the family.

In 1947, she met Joseph F. Devcich at a dance. After the dance they went to the famous
“Leon’s Custard Stand” for ice cream. They were married at St. Paul Lutheran church in
Franklin, WI., her church since a child. Arleen and Joe enjoyed many trips. They
honeymooned in Florida by driving a Yellow Dodge convertible. They made many life long
friends at Joe’s annual WWII Navy Reunions and vacationing at Soo Lake in Phillips. They
especially enjoyed the family hunting land on the Black River, with the old rustic trailers.
Arleen was very proud of her Gruenewald and Kneser family heritage who came in the later
1800’s to the Milwaukee area. She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She
was always elated when she was with them. Especially babysitting, chauffeuring and going on
trips with them. She amazed people that she was still driving to stores, and the library at 95.
Mom loved her gardening of plants, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

She is survived by her 3 sons, Jim (Jackie), Joel (Jacki), and Jeff (Susie). Grandchildren, Josh,
Jessica (Matt) Fargen, Jake (Mary), Jason (Amy), Blake (Mollie), Nicole (Marcel) Stolz,
Samantha (Erik) Wimmer, and Sarah (Evan) Mansfield. Great Grandchildren, Megan, Clay,
Kate, Jack, Ryker, Madison, Greyson, and Jace. Nephew Keith (Pat) Kneser, Nieces Robin
(John) McGregor, and Tina (Mike) Siegl. Cousins Diane Splinter, Joyce Malison, and Virgina Norman, Special
friend Mamie, and Special neighbor Les.

Arleen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, brother Glenn (Frances) Kneser,
nephew Todd Kneser, niece Debra Kneser, and many Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins.
A funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday , May 8th, 2026 at St Paul Lutheran Church in
Franklin, WI. Visitation will be at 10 am until the time of Service. Rev. Brian Adams will officiate
the service. Burial will be in Greenwood, WI, next to her husband Joe by the Black River.