Arlene M. (Halberg) Unertl

Arlene Marie Unertl, 85, of Waupaca, a respected teacher, wife, mother, expert in home economics, and active charity participant and founder, died on October 21, 2024. 

Born on August 31, 1939 near Radisson, WI, to Edna Martina Halberg (Burke) and Henry Edmund Halberg, she was the oldest of three children. They grew up on her parents’ small farm west of Exeland, WI.  In addition to farm work, she was an excellent student at the single room Valley View School, Windfall Lake School, and Exeland Elementary School.  She graduated high school in Bruce, WI in 1957. During high school she was an active member of 4H.  She had a way with animals.  They seemed to gravitate to her gentile demeanor.  Over the years, she welcomed many dogs, cats, and even an occasional wild animal into her household.

In 1961, Arlene earned a degree in Home Economics from UW-Stout.  While she was in college, she joined the Rifle Club and won numerous awards for her marksmanship.  During college, in Menomonie, WI she also met her future husband, Ronald Walter Unertl to whom she was married in June of 1961.

Her career as a respected teacher started in Manawa Wisconsin, where she taught at County Educational Extension Programs.  She continued teaching via extension programs in Rudyard, Michigan; Half Moon Bay, California; and Bothell, Washington. 

While in Washington, Arlene gave birth to her daughter, Lynn Marie Unertl (Shauger) in 1969. In the spring of 1970, they put down roots in Waupaca, WI.  Three years later, their son Mark Henry Unertl was born.

Arlene taught Consumer and Family Education at Weyauwega-Fremont High School from 1971 to 1999. During this time, she earned her master’s degree in Education from UW Stevens Point.  In addition to teaching high school, she served as a student advisor for the Future Homemakers of America Program.  She coached her students so expertly that many of them qualified for the national competition.  Arlene was very proud of the fact that she taught her students how to successfully manage their households and feed their future families.

After retiring, Arlene was always busy.  She enjoyed traveling, gardening, sewing, quilting and appreciating the outdoors.  She was a marvelous cook and baker.  She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with her two granddaughters; Rebecca Karen Shauger and Adelaide Marie Unertl. 

During summer she served as a judge at many local fairs. Judging everything from sewing projects to fruit pies. She was a kind, thoughtful person who made everyone around her feel welcome and important.

Arlene was committed to helping people in her community.  This compassion fueled her desire to help form the Creative Caring Hearts Charity.  This group sews and knits clothing and provides layettes and other supplies for newborn children in need in central Wisconsin.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Walter Unertl, son, Mark Henry Unertl, daughter-in-law Sally Elizabeth Owens, and granddaughter, Adelaide Marie Unertl, son-in-law, Todd Shauger, granddaughter, Rebecca Karen Shauger, brother, Wayne Halberg, and sister-in-law, Carol Halberg.

She is preceded in death by her father, Henry Edmund Halberg, mother, Edna Martina Halberg (Burke), sister, June Audrey Halberg, daughter, Lynn Marie Shauger (Unertl), and a child lost shortly after birth.

Funeral services for Arlene will be held at Maple Crest Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI on Friday November 1st 2024.  The visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.  Please honor Arlene’s memory by considering donating to Creative Caring Hearts Charity in lieu of sending flowers. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arlene M. (Halberg) Unertl, please visit our floral store.