Arlene Delores Keeling, 90, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away peacefully February 4, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 am, Tuesday February 11, 2025 at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N Adams Ave, Mason City, IA 50401. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Monday February 10, 2025. A Rosary service with a Scripture service to follow will begin at 6:30 pm on Monday.
Arlene was born February 11, 1934 in Fertile, Iowa; daughter of Clarence and Agnes (Benson) Bergan. She attended Fertile Schools and later graduated from Hanlontown as the class valedictorian. During her school days she enjoyed playing guard on her basketball team. She was united in marriage to Rolland “Rollie” Keeling May 21, 1955 at Holy Family Church and together they had eight children. Arlene was an attentive mother, staying at home and keeping the house running smoothly until her children were grown enough to manage themselves. Over the years she worked as a bookkeeper for many different companies. She retired from Principal Financial Group April 30, 1996 after working with them for twelve years.
Arlene was a member of Holy Family Church for 70 years, as well as the St. Celeste Circle and family guild. When her children were younger she was also a cub scout den mother and room mother at Holy Family School. She was partial to working on crypto quotes and emails and sitting down to watch a movie. To get out of the house, she and Rollie would often take a drive; she especially loved viewing the countryside. Arlene was a true socialite; you could never go with her out and about and be in a rush as she found folks to chat with. She loved her monthly meet ups with the “Mason City Golden Girls”; a group of friends she had made through work. In her spare time, Arlene enjoyed clipping articles and making scrapbooks. She took pride in her grandchildren’s achievements and always wanted them to know she was there to support them. Family meant everything to her; every moment spent with her loved ones was a blessing. Arlene was a patient and gracious woman; she always made it a point to make sure those around her knew they were seen and appreciated for their efforts. In turn, she did everything she could to give her family good memories. She could often be found doing puzzles or watching Gunsmoke. Arlene will be remembered fondly for her Norwegian sense of humor and the strength of her faith that she passed on to her family.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Mark Keeling of Mason City, Kevin (Shelley) Keeling of Mason City, Gregory (Kathy) Keeling of Mason City, Neal Keeling of Mason City, Debra Rampy of Littleton, CO, Laura Keeling of Mason City, and Christy (Duane) Marques of Littleton, CO; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Lynda Condurelis, Shirley Keeling, and Sylvia Keeling; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Rollie; son, Randall; and brothers, Roger (Naoma) Bergan, Arden (Muriel) Bergan, and Dennis Bergan; and sisters, Norma (John) Helin, and JoAnn (Morris) Norem.
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