Arlene (Fleming) Van Baale

Arlene Van Baale, 94, of Newton died on Monday, May 27, 2019, at Nelson Manor.  The family will greet friends from 12-1 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.    Immediately following the visitation a graveside service will be held at Newton Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Arlene’s name may be left at the funeral home.   

Arlene, the daughter of Clarence and Carrie (Birkenholtz) Fleming, was born on February 15, 1925 in rural Newton. She lived most of her life in and around Newton, graduating 8thgrade from rural schools in Jasper County. On February 25, 1947, Arlene was united in marriage with Lester G. Van Baale. They were blessed with four children. Arlene and Lester farmed north of Newton before moving into town in March of 1957.  She then worked at the Vernon Company for 28 years as a silk screener. Arlene enjoyed crocheting, camping, fishing, and dancing.  

Those left to honor Arlene’s memory are her children, Wade (Mickey) Van Baale, Kurt (Myra) Van Baale, Ray (Shari) Van Baale, and Janet (Rick) Graber , all of Newton; eight grandchildren, Derik (Sarah) Van Baale of Shelby, Michigan, Jerry (Tammy) Van Baale of Grinnell, Machelle (Jan) Vos of Newton, Rick (Leslie) Jansen of Bennington, Nebraska, Chad (Tammie) Jansen of West Des Moines, Travis Jansen of West Des Moines, Rachael (Mark) Dickneite of Bloomington, Illinois, and Joanna (Dustin) Downing of Grain Valley, Missouri; 18 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; close family friend, Val Imler; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester on March 5, 1999; sisters, Viola (Fred) Van Baale and Katherine (Henry) Snetslaar; nephew, Morris Van Baale; and great-nephew, T.J. Spain.

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