Arlene Marie Jochum

Arlene Marie Jochum, of Sutherland, NE, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, NE, at the age of 93.

Arlene was born March 10, 1923, to Joseph and Clara Klein in Raeville, NE, where she grew up and attended St. John Berchan Catholic School. Arlene helped her dad on the farm for several years, then when old enough, she went to work as a domestic for a family in Omaha, NE.

On September 9, 1946, Arlene was united in marriage to Lawrence Albert "Bud" Jochum at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Raeville. The couple made their home on a farm 11 miles southwest of Sutherland for six years then moved to a farm 5 miles southeast of Sutherland. In March of 1986 they retired and moved into town. Arlene was a busy wife and mother, being blessed with five boys.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Alter Society and the American Legion Auxiliary, and was chairman of the South Side Floral Club from 1961 to 2011. Arlene loved to volunteer at the Sutherland Senior Center and baby-sit for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlene also had a big garden and did lots of canning. She was well known for her jellies, rhubarb pies and bread making. Arlene will be greatly missed.

She leaves behind her sons, William (Judy) Jochum, of Lincoln, NE, Robert "Howdy" (Deborah) Jochum, of Sutherland, Lawrence "Larry" (Christy) Jochum, of Lincoln, and Randal (Kristi) Jochum and Paul (Dixie) Jochum, of Sutherland; sisters, Reola Pelster, of Petersburg, NE, Betty (Don) Mannlein, of Albion, NE, and Alfreda Pelster, of Bartlett, NE; sisters-in-law, Colleen Jochum, of Sutherland and Rosamond Klein, of Petersburg; and special friend, Cassie Hoffman, of Sutherland.

Survivors also include 13 grandchildren, Kevin Jochum, Jeff (Monica) Jochum, Kimberly (Bob) Ferrel, Della Jochum, Christopher (Dara) Jochum, Cadie Jochum (fiancé, Jon Lammers), Brandon Jochum, Adam Jochum, Melissa (Nate) Veal, Traci (Dusty) Kramer, Adrian (Zzyzx) Brown, Candy Sailor and Dawn Arellano (fiancé, Daniel Small); 19 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her parents, Joseph and Clara Klein; brothers, Alphonse and John Klein; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Frank Stuhr, Loretta and Joe Schmitz, Dorothy Klein, Ruth and LaVern Nellesen, and Delores and Raymond Bode; and brothers-in-law, Wilfrid Pelster and Lawrence Pelster.

Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Jim Novakowski celebrating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

Visitation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday with family greeting friends from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, and prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sutherland Senior Center Or Sutherland Volunteer Fire Department. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at odeanchapel.com.