Obituary for Arlene Franck

ARLENE MARYLYN FRANCK

October 8, 1933 – June 30, 2026

Arlene was born Oct 8, 1933 to Lawrence and Dorothy Houska in Cleveland, Ohio, the middle child of three children. She grew up and graduated from High School in Cleveland, Ohio. During high school she met Leon Franck, from Akron, Ohio. They were married February 19, 1951.

Roller skating was one of Arlene’s loves. As a young girl and teenager she participated in many area races and had no problem winning them. Many times she was put in races with older skaters and still continued winning. She became known throughout the Cleveland area for her excellent roller skating and speed skills. These skills continued into adulthood and she could be seen “dancing on skates” in local skating rinks.

Arlene and Leon had five children within eight years. Dennis, David, Steven, Karen and Daniel. She was a very busy mother, caring for three and four children while Leon was in college and seminary. She loved sewing and knitting, and her children and husband benefitted from the many sweaters, suits and coats made by her. After the children became adults, she continued to take great interest in following and interacting with their lives, no matter where they lived. They gave her 19 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Arlene assisted Leon in his local, regional and national prayer ministry, writing, leading prayer meetings, and traveling and speaking in churches and conferences across the country for many years. She truly was a faithful help mate to him in so many ways.  

Anyone who knew Arlene would agree she had a lively sense of humor, wit and positive outlook. She would frequently tell one of her children to “lighten up, don’t take yourself so seriously!” Her unconditional love and acceptance of everyone was widely known. These traits sprang from her deep devotion to Christ, which served as a powerful example to her children during their formative years and into adulthood. She was blessed with Godly wisdom and grace.    

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Dorothy Houska, brother Bob, husband Leon, and sons David and Steven. She is survived by her children Dennis (Jill) Franck, Springfield, MO, Karen (Mark) Seppo, Vassar, MI, and Daniel (Vickie) Franck, Kimberling City, MO, and brother, Larry (Sandi) Houska, San Jose, CA.  Visitation with family and friends will be 11 am – 1:00 pm, with a memorial and celebration of life service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Rivers Harvest Church, 1001 Quincy St. Onalaska, WI.  Burial will take place following at the Onalaska Cemetery, Onalaska, WI.