Arlene Zaremski

Arlene Zaremski passed away peacefully in the home she shared with her daughter, Teresa, on August 18, 2023, at the age of 90. She was surrounded by lots of family and love.

Arlene was born in Kenmare, North Dakota on July 10, 1933, to Wendel and Jessie Bauer. After graduating high school, Arlene and several girlfriends packed up their belongings and left North Dakota to drive west hoping to find fame and fortune in California. They made it as far as Great Falls, Montana before they ran out of money and decided to get jobs to save up for the next leg of their journey. While in Great Falls, Arlene met the love of her life William/Bill “Zeke” Zaremski. They were married in 1958, and they made a home for themselves, raising six children in the 25 short years they had together. She never did get to visit California, but Montana became a beloved home.

Over those years, the Zaremski family enjoyed camping with family and friends during the summer months and many memories were made. There were card games, flaming marshmallows, and of course freezing creek waters to tube in. On the weekends when not camping, Arlene was often heard calling to Zeke as he went out the door to run errands- “How many kids do you have with you?” after he answered, she would say “That isn’t enough, take a few more!” There was always laughter, love, and a lot of energy in the Zaremski household. We still pride ourselves on zero broken bones while growing up.

When Arlene lost her husband Bill to cancer in 1983, she went to work at the Catholic Diocese Office for 13 years. After she retired, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. In the summers, she enjoyed tending to her flowers in the backyard, especially her special geranium plants.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Wendel and Jessie Bauer; husband, Bill; brother, Robert; and sister, Jeannice.

She is survived by her brother, Alan; children, Nancy (Scot Douglas), Teresa, Dennis (Wendy), Mark (Holly), James (Karen Diekhans) and Thomas (Tami); grandchildren, Rochelle, Madison, Courtney, Ethan, Tia, Tristan, and William; and great-grandchildren, Stella, Rhett, Ari, and Avery.

The viewing will be at Schnider Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Rosary will be said before the funeral mass at 12:00.

A reception will take place at Schnider Funeral Home following the burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Arlene’s family is requesting donations be made in her name to Peace Hospice of Great Falls. Their care and compassion were instrumental in allowing Arlene to pass in her home surrounded by those who loved her.