Arleen Shipway

Arleen Tressa Shipway April 1, 1932 to June 30, 2022

Arleen was born in Stratford, Wisconsin; the eldest of three children to Henry and Hattie Rau.  Arleen and her sister Joyce would take the train to Wausau in the 1950s to kick up their heels.  On one of the trips to Wausau she met her beloved husband “Chuck” who was home on leave from the Air Force.  Chuck and Arleen were married for over 67 years until his passing earlier this year.  Over the years, they became partners in the ups and downs of life.  In 1966 Arleen’s sister, Joyce, passed away from cancer.  Arleen and Joyce were very close having lost their father and infant brother Henry at a very young age.  After Joyce’s passing, Arleen became a surrogate mother to Joyce’s three children in addition to being a mother to her own five children and the primary caregiver of her mother. Later, Arleen was also the caregiver for Chuck as she helped him through his long battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome whiles simultaneously caring for her bedridden mother.  Three words that describe Arleen are caring, loving, and selfless.  She said, “Do not jump to judgements about someone’s life as you do not know the struggles they are going through, so do not be so quick to judge.”  In a recent video, Arleen was asked what her favorite age was, and she responded, “I enjoyed all of them.”  She had a deep appreciation for the life she was given and never complained about the struggles she experienced during her life.

Arleen worked as an administrative assistant for Wausau Insurance and a bookkeeper for Pauly Cheese.  She loved her many years in different circles at St. Stephen Lutheran church.  Another passion of hers was animals – there was a not a cat or dog she didn’t love.

In retirement, Chuck and Arleen loved to spend time with their children and grandchildren, who provided them with such joy.  They also loved to travel and explore new places.  Most of all Arleen would say “enjoy the beautiful day.”  In the summer you could find them out on their deck listening to the Brewers and enjoying the day.  They so enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Chuck and Arleen are back together again on their deck.

Arleen was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Hattie Rau; infant brother, Henry; sister, Joyce; brother-in-law Gordon Brown; sister-in-law Virginia Shipway; brother-in-law Orville Heinz; and husband, Chuck, who passed on January 16, 2022.

She is survived by her five children; Debra Shipway (Gary Mussell) of Warrenville, IL, Kim Shipway of Scottsdale, AZ, Michael (Lee) Shipway of Wausau, Richard Shipway of Milwaukee, Barb (Jim) Haakenson of Indianapolis, IN; four grandchildren; Patrick (Julie) Shipway of Burnsville, MN, Samantha Shipway of New Richmond, Brandon Haakenson of Tempe, AZ, Katrina Haakenson of Indianapolis, IN; two great grandchildren Isabella and Lily Shipway; sister-in-law, JoAnn Heinz; and numerous nephews and a niece.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday July 9 at St. Stephen Lutheran church. Visitation is from 10:00-11:00 am. at the church.  Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.  The family wishes to thank Aspirus Hospice Care for their care and support.  In lieu of flowers, Arleen wished for donations to be made to St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau.