Arlene Zens, 72, of Redfield, SD, died Thursday, March 22, 2007, at Golden Living Center in Redfield. Her funeral will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Father William Osborn will officiate. After the services, Arlene will be cremated and her ashes will be buried in St. Bernard's Cemetery. Closed casket visitation will be Sunday from 3-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-6:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home. www.thelenfuneralhome.com


Arlene was born November 23, 1934, in Onaka, SD, to John and Rose (Herbach) Gabriel. She lived, with her family, in Cresbard and Conde before moving to Redfield. Arlene graduated from Redfield High School in 1952 and married Darwin Zens on March 1, 1954, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Redfield. Arlene was a hard working housewife who stayed at home and raised her nine children. After her children were grown, she worked at the Redfield Super 8 Motel for twelve years.

Arlene enjoyed reading and was a regular at the Carnegie Library. She also enjoyed Bingo, sports, NASCAR, holiday decorating and baking, music and rummaging. She collected many different bells.

Arlene is survived by her children: Chris (Don) McCord of Crosby, TX; Jackie Algeo of Rapid City, SD; Denise (Tony) Solheim of Frankfort, SD; Brian (Judy) Zens of Mitchell, SD; Lori (Tom) Schultz of Rapid City, SD; Scott Zens of Redfield, Mary Zens of Redfield and Deb (Cella) Zens of White River, SD. She is also survived by twenty-four grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rose and Reuben Jackson, her husband Darwin in 2001, her son Kevin in 2000, sister Joyce Ochs, son-in-law Curly Algeo and two nephews: Keith and Troy Ochs.