Arla Mae Kreklow

Arla Mae Mardell (Splitt) Kreklow, 84 went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Appleton. She was born on October 18, 1933 in the Town of Union, Waupaca County, to Herman and Erna (Genskow) Splitt. On August 18, 1951, she was united in marriage to Forest Lee Kreklow at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, South Dupont, Waupaca County. The couple began their journey through life together on the family farm in Bear Creek followed by a short period of time in San Diego, California while Forest served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon return, the couple put plans into motion to build their home and life in rural Manawa on the Little Wolf River. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Manawa, where she was active with the Ladies Aid for 20 years. She worked for the Farmer’s State Bank for several years followed by 23 years of service as a teacher’s aide and later the librarian for the Manawa Middle School. Her love for gardening was in full color each spring and the bounty produced from the garden was shared by all in the neighborhood. She enjoyed the comradery of friends as an active member of the Royalton Garden Club. In her younger days she enjoyed participating in 4H, cheerleading and twirling for the Manawa Marching Band. She graduated from Manawa High School class of 1951. Her love for fishing made for competitive family fun on the Manawa Pond and the Little Wolf River often winning the first, the biggest, and the most fish caught for the day. Her selfless service in support of the Manawa Fish and Game Club was a life time commitment to care for the members and the clubhouse. Arla is survived by her husband Forest “Butch” Kreklow. They were inseparable, best friends and closest confidants, often holding hands and giggling thinking nobody noticed. They recently celebrated 67 years of marriage and epitomized true love. Arla was a loving and caring mother to her children and a friend to all who knew her. She is also survived by her children: Kitty Rae (Ronald McCannon), Phoenix, Arizona; and Kathi Lee Kreklow (Tracy McLean), Butte, Montana; her grandson Kevin Forest McCannon, Phoenix, Arizona; and her sister Darlene Toonen of Little Chute. Other survivors include extended family and special friends, too numerous to list by name. Arla is preceded in death by sisters Rosada Splitt, Elnora “Toots” Clifton, Deloris (Eldred) Beil, and brother Gerald (Rosella) Splitt. The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and emergency room staff at Theda Care Regional Medical Center for the wonderful care given to Arla. We would also like to thank the Manawa Ambulance Service for their prompt and professional assistance. A special thank you to all the family members that reached out to provide love and support. Butch and Arla are thankful for the support of many friends. They are especially thankful for their lifelong friendship with Roger and Betty Bonikowske and Tom and Joan Bonikowske. They are also thankful for the love and support provided by Jean and Bruce Starchaska. The funeral service that will celebrate Arla’s life will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (157 N. Bridge St.) in Manawa with Rev. Carole Nietzel officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in memory of Arla Kreklow to the Zion Lutheran Church or Manawa Fish and Game Club, PO Box 223, Manawa, WI 54949. A note from Arla’s daughters: The loss of our loving mother is beyond words. She was and always will be the heartbeat of our family. Always present in our lives seeking what was best for us and our loved ones. A kind and gentle soul who put family and friends before herself.

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Visitation

Zion Lutheran Church -Manawa

• Friday, August 31, 2018
• 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• 157 N. Bridge Street
  Manawa, WI 54949

Directions

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Funeral Service

Zion Lutheran Church -Manawa

• Friday, August 31, 2018
• 11:00 AM
• 157 N. Bridge Street
  Manawa, WI 54949

Directions