Arlene Ruby Starkson

ROCHESTER -Arlene R. Starkson, 81, died on Saturday, April 6, 2013 surrounded by her family at Seasons Hospice in Rochester. Arlene was born in New Hampton, IA on March 3, 1932 to Milton and Rosena (Priem) Merkel.She married Maurice Starkson on May 17, 1952 in Rochester.Arlene was a daycare provider for many years.She enjoyed sewing, flower gardening, and bird watching.Arlene especially loved spending time with her family. Arlene is survived by her children, Betty Starkson, of Minneapolis, MN, Wayne Starkson, of Mayer, MN, Alice (Steven) Stellmaker, of Zumbro Falls, MN, Doris (John) Sneve, of Rochester, Roger Starkson, of Rochester, Susan Starkson, of Rochester, Lloyd Starkson, of North Mankato, MN, and Janet Starkson, of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren, Todd (Jessica) Stellmaker, Allison (Dustin) Knott, Tyler Sneve, Samuel Sneve, Nicole Starkson, Charles Starkson, and Travis Starkson; six great grandchildren; and siblings, Rose Polikowsky, of Rochester, Shirley Schroeder, of Elgin, Lorraine (Robert) Reiland, of Eyota, Paul (Donna) Merkel, of Spring Valley, and Arthur (Sharon) Merkel, of Rochester. Arlene is preceded in death by her husband, Maurice; her parents; siblings, Irene Merkel, May Viker, Harvey Merkel, Clifford Merkel, Kenneth Merkel, and Ray Merkel; and a daughter-in-law, Sue Ann Starkson. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 3rd Ave SW, with Rev. Jason Bryan-Wegner officiating.Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service at the church.Interment will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens.