Arlene Marcella Skomski, age 87, of Keshena passed away peacefully with her family surrounding her on Thursday March 26, 2026, comfortably at her home.

Arlene was born on March 11, 1939, in Milwaukee to Henry and Marcella (Schaefer) Albrecht. She graduated from North Division High School in 1957 and went on to build a life rooted in family, friendship, and love for others.

While raising her children, Arlene built a home filled with love. Two of her positions were at JCPenney in the bridal department and at Pick ’n Save as a florist, where she developed the skills that she later used to create beautiful arrangements for family weddings throughout her life. Her final role before retirement was as a school bus monitor in Menominee County, a position that reflected her patience and kindness. She also volunteered with several local organizations, including the Shawano Customs & Classics Car Club.

Arlene found joy in life’s simple moments; family traditions, pontoon boat rides around Legend Lake, playing cards with friends, warm weather, decorating her home with Christmas being her favorite, and creating everlasting memories with others. She was a proud member of the Red Hatters and treasured the friendships she built there. As a deeply loving and caring person, she always put others before herself. Arlene fiercely loved her family, and that love was felt in everything she did, from the way she welcomed people into her home, to the little touches that made others feel special.

On July 20, 1991, Arlene was united in marriage to James Skomski in Germantown, Wisconsin, with whom she shared many years of companionship. They purchased a vacation home on Legend Lake in 1994, and in 1998, made it their permanent home.

Arlene is survived by her husband of 34 years, James; her beloved children, Tom (partner, Janice) Nagel, Sandie (Tim) Wilz, Sue (Scott) Seefeldt, Cindy (Lee Jay) Huebner, Wendy (Pat) McDonald and stepdaughter, Tanya Madalinski; grandchildren, Denise, Evan, Adam, Colleen, Tom, Ben, Alyssa, Sheila, Shauna, Justin, Login, Amanda, Amber, Breanna, Patrick, Cassidy and Robbi; a great-grandma to many great-grandchildren; and her cousins, who were raised together like siblings, Lois (Rich) Jaehnig and Dennis Schaefer. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, whom she loved dearly.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Albreht & Marcella Schafer-Albrecht; husbands, Floyd Nagel and James Muehlenberg; her grandson, Jason Hermes; stepchildren, Tina Mielke and Jimmy Skomski; cousin (“brother”), Eugene Schaefer; and her uncle & aunt, Joseph and Marcella Schaefer, who raised her as one of their own.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Primal Eats on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Please bring a dish to pass and memories to share. Swedberg Funeral Home is assiting the family with arrangements. 

A special thank you to the ThedaCare Hospice team, especially Lana, Sabrina, Jolene, and Heather, for the incredible care and compassion shown to Arlene and her family. Your kindness and support brought comfort, dignity, and so much love.