Arlene was born on June 7, 1925, in Protivin, Iowa to George and Abbie Voves Kostka. She was raised on the family acreage and attended the Rudolphium School in Protivin. On October 26, 1943, she was married to Harold Baethke in Cresco, Iowa. The family operated a grain and livestock farm near Victor for many years. She was a homemaker and mother of three children. She also worked in Brooklyn and was a hospice volunteer. Arlene was a member of St. James Lutheran Church and the Victor American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies included needle work and sewing, bingo, gardening, dancing to Polka music and working a variety of puzzles. She is survived by one daughter, Wanda (Bill) Baetsle of Victor; one son, Loys (Janet) Baethke of Ladora; seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; two great great granddaughters; one sister, Helen Fencl of Protivin, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; and one son, Gordon. Memorials may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church in Victor or to Grinnell Regional Hospice.