Arlene A. Besner

Arlene Augusta Besner, 91, of Thomas Township left her lifelong home on Lone Road to be with the Lord on July 2, 2022. Born on May 26, 1931, to Herman and Alma (Fischer) Wegner in Frost Corners of Thomas Township, she made that community her home for all of her 91 years. She shared memories of the one and a quarter mile trek she made to the Geddes School from 1st through 8th grade, as well as the time she spent working in her grandfather’s store at the intersection of Frost and Lone Roads. After marrying Frederick Besner on October 8, 1955, at Second Presbyterian Church, the pair built a house about a mile south of her childhood home, on her grandparents’ land. On Lone Road, Fred and Arlene raised four children, tended a immense garden, and kept beautiful flowerbeds. Even after her husband’s passing on March 15, 2000, Arlene continued to impeccably maintain her home and property. Arlene’s neighbors recognized her as she rode her bicycle, often barefoot, around the Lone and Geddes community, and in later years she switched to a tricycle that her family decked out with flags. Arlene was known to take charge of her own ride, regardless of the traffic around her. She also recognized her neighbors; it was said she could identify who was mowing their lawn by the sound of the mower. This is one of the many reasons she earned the nickname, “The Mayor of Lone Road.”  As evidenced by the life she led, Arlene enjoyed simplicity - living in the same area, knowing the community members, and keeping up with their news. She was the family seamstress, designated dogsitter, canning expert, and lebkuchen baker. Arlene’s family knew her to be funny, though sometimes at your own expense, and truly herself. While they might also describe her as a bit stubborn and a little bossy, this fighting spirit kept her in control of her life until the end. Her bright, indomitable spirit will live on in the years to come.

Arlene leaves to carry on her legacy, her children, Eugene (Kim Koinis) Besner, Bonnie (Doug) Engel, Alice Westendorf, and Earl (Pam McDonagh) Besner.  She also leaves her grandchildren Adam (Samantha) Engel and Andy Engel.  Also surviving are many special cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.  Arlene was predeceased by her parents, brothers and sisters-in-law Alvin (Nancy) Wegner and Clarence (Norma) Wegner, and son-in-law Jim Westendorf. 

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the W.L. Case & Company, 201 N. Miller Road.  Rev. Philomena Ofori-Nipaah will officiate.  Burial will follow at Owen Cemetery in Thomas Township.  Friends are welcome to visit at the funeral chapel on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Second Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member for 67 years.  Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.