Arlene M. Stowell

July 24, 1931 - May 13, 2019

Arlene Marian Stowell, 87, of Swaledale, IA went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 13, 2019. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. with a one hour prior visitation on Friday, May 17, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 502 2nd St S, Rockwell, with Reverend Joel Dahlen officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St SE, Mason City. Arlene was born on July 24, 1931 in Hancock County, IA to Harm and Anna (Wagner) Van Osten. She attended rural school in Meservey and later helped her parents and brother on the farm by Rockwell where she met her future husband Russell. He would say she could outwork any man half her age. She was baptized and was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church. Arlene was united in marriage on January 7, 1969 to Russell Stowell in Albert Lea, MN. To their union, daughter Nancy was born. The couple was married for over 43 years and made their home in Swaledale. Arlene worked as a housekeeper at Best Western Holiday Motor Lodge in Clear Lake for over 30 years. Throughout her life, Arlene was very active in her garden, canning and helping people who needed an extra hand. Arlene had carpenter and mechanical skills that were useful. She liked traveling and took trips to Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Yellowstone National Park, the Ozarks, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Pearl Harbor and the Bahamas just to name a few. The family enjoyed reunions with relatives and viewing scenery and nature. Arlene walked her dog “Patty” all the time and went on short hikes in Hawaii at the age of 81. Russell and Arlene spent many evenings with wonderful friends playing cards mostly 500 and Bingo. She also went on boat rides and fishing on Clear Lake and area streams with her family. She will be remembered as the kindest and sweetest woman anyone could ever know. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter Nancy and her husband Bob Bruce of Swaledale, IA; nieces, Susan Van Osten and Barbara (Bill) Ruehlow and nephew, David Van Osten and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell Stowell in 2012; her parents; brother, Elmer and his wife Phyllis Van Osten and nephew, Robert Van Osten. Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St SE, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com Facebook/Fullertonfuneralhomes