Alice Ann Arnzen

Alice Ann Beining Arnzen, age 96, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, at her home in Delphos, Ohio.  Born on May 25, 1928 in Ottoville, Ohio to Theodore and Bernadine (Hellman) Beining, Alice married Robert Arnzen on August 7, 1954. He preceded her in death on February 2, 2011.

Alice was a loving mother to five children: Elaine (Pat) Sheehan, Maria Arnzen,  Jim (Kim) Arnzen, Jeanne (Jim) Gulick, Ted Arnzen (Darla Henderson); nine grandchildren: Troy Sheehan, Lauren Sheehan Engler (Jason), Erin Sheehan Stelljes (Colin), Allison Sheehan, Jimmy Gulick Jr. (Katherine), Nate Gulick (Kelsey), Anne Gulick Furia (Rob), Jill Arnzen, Jen Arnzen Custer (Eric); and seven great-grandchildren (and two on the way): Olivia, Avery, and Isla Engler, Ava Gulick, Jack and Aidan Furia, and Caitie Custer.

Alice was the salutatorian of the Ottoville Class of 1946, a group she always said was like family.  Before her marriage, Alice’s primary employment was in the office of Gramm Trucking. (She met Bob Arnzen at the Bowling Alley due to her pretty smile, the night the Gramm burned down!) She enjoyed going back to work when her youngest went to school. Working at the St. John’s Rectory for almost 25 years, she became a mother figure to many of the young priests assigned there.

Alice’s welcoming smile, deep faith, and love of life will be forever remembered. Her passion for music brought joy to many, and her beautiful melodies and humming echo in our hearts. She sang with the Ottoville choir prior to her marriage, and later sang with the Delphos St. John’s Choir, and with the Autumn Choraliers at local nursing homes. Especially in her last years, she tapped into an enormous memory bank of poems and songs of all kinds. Her constant singing will be a cherished memory.

A loyal Blue Jay fan and an active member of Delphos St. John’s Catholic Church, Alice was a member of the Women’s Bible Study and Catholic Daughters’ of America. She also co-chaired the St. John’s Church Festival’s Patron’s Fund for many years.  Alice was a longtime member of the Junior Mother’s/Changing Time Mother’s Club contributing her time and energy for over 60 years.

A lifelong learner, Alice enjoyed genealogy, crocheting, and writing trivia questions for the Ottoville Class of 1946’s monthly meetings.

Alice is survived by her youngest sister, Irene Schroeder, of Ottawa, and many nieces and nephews.  Alice was preceded in death by her siblings Mildred (Elmer) Beckman, Angela (Dick) Kimmet, Rudy (Valeta) Beining, Ray (Betty) Beining, Mary (Herb) Hempfling, Gertrude (Al) Schmitz, and Joe Schroeder. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Harry Arnzen, Bill (Rose Beiting) Arnzen, and Margaret Ann (Larry) Maschmeyer.

The family extends their deep appreciation and gratitude to the neighbors and daily companions who watched out for our Mom, kept her life interesting, and made it possible for her to live in her home until the very end.  Special thanks to “Team Alice”, the loving caregivers, Teresa Wehri Van Oss, Amy Schwinnen Wehri, Stacey Michael Stose, Nora Kaverman Schulte, Ella Wilson, Halle Elwer, Chloe Etzkorn, Louise Beckman Martin, Sara Zalar Roof, and Tracy Foust Kantner.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Delphos St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery. Visitation to pay respects will be held 1:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13 at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth Street, Delphos, Ohio 45833 with a parish wake at 6:45 p.m.

In honor of Alice, please consider visiting a neighbor, singing to a child, or visiting a nursing home to brighten someone’s day, just as Alice often did!  And as she gratefully ended the conversation, “God be with you!”

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Donations can also be made to Delphos St. John’s Teacher’s Endowment Fund or to Delphos St. John’s Athletic Endowment in memory of Alice Arnzen. These donations can be mailed to Delphos St. John’s Ministry Center, 201 N. Pierce Street Delphos, Ohio 45833.