Arlene M. Wiederspan

Arlene Mae Wiederspan, 96, formerly of Hastings and recently of Kearney, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at her home at CountryHouse in Kearney. Private family inurnment will be held at the Kearney Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life with family and friends on Saturday, October 4, 11:30 a.m. at the Harmon Park Activity Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Arlene’s honor be made to AseraCare of Kearney. We are grateful for the loving care provided for her in her last days. We are also appreciative of the staff at CountryHouse who loved and cared for her and will continue to look after Kenneth. Arlene Mae Kenton was born October 25, 1928, at home on a farm three miles east of Ravenna, Nebraska to Melvin and Alice (McInroy) Kenton. She attended country school. After the death of her father in 1940, Arlene and her mother moved to Kearney. She graduated from Kearney High School with the Class of 1946. Arlene attended Kearney State College for one year, where she met her future husband, Kenneth A. Wiederspan. They were united in marriage on October 26, 1949, at First Methodist Church in Kearney. To this union three children were born: Patricia, Rodney, and Kathryn. As Kenneth was a teacher, coach, and school administrator, they made their home in several Nebraska communities including Oconto, Eddyville, Kearney, Stratton, Pleasanton, Beaver City, and Hastings. She also accompanied Kenneth as he served in the US Army in both California and Washington state. They moved to Kinship Point at Northridge in Kearney in 2021, after residing in Hastings for 54 years. After retirement, Arlene and Kenneth enjoyed traveling extensively with Kenneth’s twin brother Keith and his wife, Hazel. Arlene and Hazel were friends from high school. A devoted wife and mother, Arlene was dedicated to her family and extended family. She worked for a time as a teacher’s aide at Lincoln Elementary School in Hastings. She loved her grandchildren dearly and attended many of their activities. Arlene was a member of Chapter FH, PEO and a long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church in Hastings. She followed a tradition established by her mother of remembering so many family members and friends with cards and notes for special occasions. She is survived by her husband Kenneth of Kearney; daughter, Pat (Clint) Jones of Kearney; son, Rod (Janna) Wiederspan of Kearney; and daughter Kathy (Rick) Stults of Littleton, CO; grandchildren Hogan (Lauren) Jones, Michaela (David) O’Neill, Timaree (Kurtis) Charling, Nichole (Chris) Otto, and Zach Stults; and great-grandchildren Graham and Elliott Jones, Brielle and Linden O’Neill, Kyndall and Kipton Charling, and Holland and Ellis Otto. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, and her stepfather, Andy Sorensen. Although Arlene had no siblings, she grew up in close relationships with McInroy aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation service and arrangements are under the care of Horner, Lieske, McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Service of Kearney. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence.

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Arlene M. Wiederspan

October 25, 1928 - September 9, 2025