Arlene Douglas

January 28, 1934 - June 28, 2020

Arlene R. Douglas, 86, of Ottumwa, died June 28, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa. Arlene Rosalee Zierke, daughter of Ernest and Esther (Johnson) Zierke, was born January 28, 1934 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1952 and from the secretarial program at Tobin Business College in 1953. On March 20, 1955, Arlene married Richard Douglas at Grace Lutheran Church. They made their home in Badger and raised their children Lynda, Paul, Jay, and Sara. Arlene stayed very busy in activities with her children as well as working for Douglas Plumbing and Heating as secretary and bookkeeper. She later worked for the Badger Elevator and Iowa Electrical Supply. In 1977, Arlene worked at the Webster County Recorder’s office working as a clerk until her retirement in 1992. Then the couple moved to Ottumwa, IA. Arlene was a longtime member of Badger Lutheran Church and active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ottumwa. She enjoyed coffee with her Badger friends and neighbors, picnics and hikes at Dolliver Memorial Park, and spent quiet times with embroidery, crochet and piano playing. Together with Richard they enjoyed many activities: Thursday morning Bible study group, antique collecting, vacations to Augusta, Georgia, family camp at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, and attending grandchildren’s activities. For their 40th wedding anniversary they took their dream trip to Isreal. Family highlights include hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in their home. Arlene’s family remembers her loving and gentle heart and her relaxed presence. Arlene was preceded in death by Richard, husband of 65 years, on May 15, 2020; son, Paul Douglas; parents Ernest and Esther Zierke and sisters Leora (LaVerne) Torgerson, and Myrlee (Earl) Magnuson. Family surviving to remember and celebrate Arlene’s life include her children, Lynda (Don) Copple of Ottumwa, IA, Holly Douglas of West Des Moines, IA, Jay (Julie) Douglas of Grovetown, GA, Sara (Clint) Poock of Cedar Falls, IA; nine grandchildren, David (Sarah) Douglas of Fountain Valley, CA, Adam (Anna) Douglas of Ankeny, IA, Jessica (Tyler) Davis of West Des Moines, IA, Jason (Katie) Douglas of Augusta, GA, Amanda Douglas of Grovetown, GA, Caleb Copple of Ottumwa, IA, Carson, Alex and Elliott Poock of Cedar Falls, IA; and seven great-grandchildren, Connor, Liam and Jameson Douglas, Scarlett, Sloan, Olivia and Rowyn Douglas. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Badger Lutheran Church. Interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery, Fort Dodge. Those planning to attend are encouraged to wear masks and observe social distancing. Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is entrusted with the arrangements.