On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Arleen Dora Christensen left this world to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Arleen was born Sept. 13, 1924, in Ludington Michigan to R.G. and Edith Black.  She attended Lakeview grade school and Ludington High School, graduating in 1942.  Arleen was married Dec. 27, 1943, to Robert Leonard Christensen in Ludington, Michigan.

Arleen was employed, for a short time, at the Handy Thing's factory to help put her sons through college.  She was a dedicated mother, and especially loved her role as Grandma and Great-Grandma!

Arleen enjoyed being a homemaker, canning applesauce and peaches for her family and friends and any opportunity to pick asparagus, strawberries, and green beans. She was very supportive of her children, especially when they wanted to play sports, and encouraged them to also enjoy the outdoors.

Arleen was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ludington for most of her life.  More recently she became a baptized member of the Church of Christ.

Arleen was very creative and talented in many areas of art.  Her sewing, knitting, needlepoint and crochet were of high quality.  She excelled in painting and ceramics, using watercolor, oils, chalk, and charcoal.  Her artistic talent was greatly appreciated by others, as her works were always prized and valued gifts.

Arleen also loved to dance, play games and cards of any kind and travel!  She traveled and visited many foreign and domestic destinations.  She experienced trips to India, Taiwan, Paris, Egypt, Singapore, Scandinavia, England/Ireland, Italy, and Hawaii.  Arleen’s zest for walking was vital to her daily life, as she would walk every morning  to downtown Ludington for toast & coffee.

The activity that Arleen enjoyed the very most was going for rides and especially out to eat!  Good food, especially something sweet, was her favorite! “Eat Dessert First” (especially rhubarb pie) was her motto.

Arleen is survived by a sister Dorothy (Black) Clair, sons Douglas (Jerri), David (Sandi) and Dennis (Sandy) Christensen.  Grandchildren Julie (Christensen) Gary Stutz, Cathy (Christensen) Chad Brekke, and Scott (Lorie) Christensen and great grandchildren Levi and Ella Brekke, and Bobby Garcia, and many nieces and nephews.

Arleen was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Robert Christensen; sisters Beatrice, Ruth, Edith, Rose; and brothers Robert and Leonard. She was also preceded in death by her special companion James (Jim) Vandenheuvel.

Thank You to the caring staff at Vista Springs (now Cortland) Wyoming, where she called HOME since December 2020, and especially Careline Hospice for making her comfortable during these final weeks.

Arleen’s ashes will be buried alongside her husband at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan.