Arlene M. Niesen (Nee Rutzinski)

Arlene M. Niesen, 90, of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in her home of 65 years.  Arlene was born on August 10, 1935, in Milwaukee, first of six children born to Leonard and Ethel (Cechal) Rutzinski. Preceding Arlene in death are her parents, her husband Alfred J. Niesen, and his parents Alfred and Margaret Niesen.

Arlene married Al, the love of her life, on December 29, 1956. The first three years of her marriage were spent as a Navy wife, joining Al at naval bases in Texas, Florida, and Virginia.  Two children, Nancy and Paul, arrived during these years. Returning to Wisconsin, Arlene and Al settled in the house in Hales Corners on Leap Day 1960. A third child, Donna, arrived later that year. When her children were small, two of Arlene’s minor aged sisters – Mary Anne and Patty – joined the family upon the death of their mother Ethel until they began their own journey.

Arlene approached life with patience, love, humor and grace. Once her children were in school, Arlene secured employment with the Boston Store chain of Milwaukee, first in sales, then in alterations, eventually becoming the store’s seamstress. She shared her sewing and cooking skills with her daughters, her love of literature and film with her son. Jigsaw puzzles and radio broadcasts of Brewers games were shared by all, as well as her love for music.  When she wanted to hear her favorite – Debussy’s “Claire de Lune,” Arlene could play it for herself on the family piano.

After a dozen years of camping in the Woodruff-Minocqua area, Arlene and Al found a modest cottage on a lovely lake and made it their own. It became a second home too for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlene’s greatest joy was nurturing her six grandchildren: Alyssa (Ben) Wilda and Ted Butch; Dan and Matt Niesen; Eric and Amanda Danihel and welcoming a third generation into the family, Ella and Charlie Wilda.

The dining table window of the cottage faces west.  We’ve seen many beautiful sunsets there.  These past three years, we think of Al Niesen at these times, and how he brought us here.  And we take heart knowing that next time we see a cottage sunset, we will think of Arlene and Al, together again.

Arlene is survived by her children: Nancy (Ted) Butch, Paul (Yvonne) Niesen and Donna (Jeff) Danihel. She is further survived by two brothers, William (Loretta) Rutzinski, Joseph Rutzinski and three sisters, Mary Anne Rutzinski, Barb Compty and Patricia (Mark) Kannenberg. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm with a vigil service at 6:00pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 4800 S. 84th St. Greenfield, WI 53228. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10:00am – 11:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at ST. MARY CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY 9520 W. Forest Home Avenue. Hales Corners, WI 53130. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.