Celebrating Lives & Legacies

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June 30, 1923 - February 12, 2024

La Verne, CA

Arlene Lorraine Buehler, 100, went to her Heavenly home on February 12, 2024. Born on June 30, 1923 in Racine, WI to John and Marjorie Petavine, Arlene passed away peacefully in Winston, OR.

Arlene loved children and began babysitting at a very young age. As she grew older, she cared for and worked with children as a school volunteer. She loved animals, having many pets of her own over her lifetime, as well as pet-sitting for others. Arlene was a devout Christian and began volunteering at her church in the 7th grade, a tradition she continued in every church she attended throughout her life.

Arlene attended both traditional school and school for the deaf. Though she had a severe hearing loss, her dogged determination to learn to lipread and speak clearly helped her to lead a full life including raising a family, doing volunteer work, square dancing, playing bridge, team bowling, sewing, training her dogs, spending time with family and friends, and helping others. She graduated from William Horlick High School in Racine in 1943.

Shortly after high school, Arlene went to work at the Great Lakes Naval Base Station in Illinois, where she met her future husband, Herman Buehler. Herman and Arlene married in June of 1949, and began their lives together as a military family. Arlene always wanted to have children, and between Wisconsin and their duty stations in Hawaii and throughout California, they had two sons and a daughter. Arlene cherished her roles as wife, housewife, and mother, and it showed in everything she did. Herman and Arlene eventually landed in La Verne, CA in the early 70’s.

Arlene became a member of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pomona after moving to Southern California. As a volunteer secretary at Our Savior for over 40 years, she met and assisted many pastors. She loved her job as well as getting to know the pastors and their families, helping with their children, assisting with Vacation Bible School, and being part of her church family.

Arlene cherished her family and made many trips “back home” to visit both family and friends. She was always excited to have her loved ones visit and hated to see them go. She will forever be remembered for standing outside and waving goodbye until her visitors were completely out of sight.

Arlene never knew a stranger. With her quick infectious smile, friendly touch, and caring disposition, everyone warmed up to her, and became a fast friend. Receiving over 100 cards on her 100th birthday is a true testament to the impact she had on the lives of others. She was enormously loved and will be greatly missed.

Arlene was preceded in death by her father and mother, John and Marjorie Petavine, sisters, Janice Jorgenson and Audrey Petavine, brother, Leslie Petavine, and husband, Herman Buehler. She is survived by her children, James Buehler, Herman Buehler, and Linda Jones, 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and her ever loyal faithful companion, Perky.

Arlene will be interred at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine, alongside her mother and siblings, on February 27th at 10:00am. Per Arlene’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Those who would like to memorialize her may make donations to California Lutheran High School in Wildomar, CA, or Dogs for Better Lives in Central Point, OR.