DELPHOS – Alice Ann Beining Arnzen, 96, passed away peacefully on Dec.10, 2024, at her home in Delphos. Born on May 25, 1928, in Ottoville, to Theodore and Bernadine (Hellman) Beining, Alice married Robert Arnzen on Aug. 7, 1954. He preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 2011.
Alice was a loving mother to five children, Elaine (Pat) Sheehan, Maria Arnzen, Jim (Kim) Arnzen, Jeanne (Jim) Gulick and 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 and 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 is also survived by her youngest sister, Irene Schroeder, of Ottawa, and many nieces and nephews.
She 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.
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.
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 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 1-7 p.m. on Friday, December 13 at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth Street, Delphos, 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 St., Delphos, Ohio 45833.
