Obit: Trnka, Arleen  (11913 - 2009)

Contact: Audrey Roedl

Email: audero@charter.net

Surnames: Trnka, Erickson, Kihl, Berkey

----Source: The Loyal Tribune  (Loyal, Clark County, Wis. 16 Dec. 2009)

Trnka, Arleen  (22 FEB 1913-11 DEC 2009)

Arleen B. Trnka, 96, Colby, formerly of Loyal, died on Friday, Dec. 11, 1009, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 16m at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Loyal. The Rev. Jerome Naduvathaniyil officiated. Burial followed in St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were John Trnka, Mike Trnka, Chet Berkey, Ben Berkey, Chris Berkey and Harvey Denenhardt.

Arleen Bernice Erickson was born on Feb. 22, 1913, in Racine, the oldest of three children born to Wilhelm and Augusta (nee Kihl) Erickson. She was raised and received her education in Racine, graduating from Par High School in 1932. She then attended Milwaukee State Teachers College, currently the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she graduated in 1936, with a major in music. Her first job was at Dorchester High School, where she taught music until becoming supervisor of vocal music in West Milwaukee Schools from 1939-40. In 1940, she moved to Loyal, where she taught both music and English at Loyal High School. She married Dr. Edward M. Trnka on June 20, 1940, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Loyal. She was the organist at the church for many years, and also gave private piano and organ lessons. She resided in Loyal until moving to Angelus Retirement Community, now Colby Retirement Community, in Nov. 2000.

She was an independent person, who was outspoken and feisty. She was also very intelligent, you never challenged her unless you were very sure of your facts. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and thoroughly enjoyed her visits with friends, who frequently came to see her.

Survivors include two daughters, Kathryn (Chester) Berkey, Eau Claire, and Ruth Trnka, Mosinee; one son, John (Patty) Trnka, Rochester, Minn.; and four grandchildren, Christopher Berkey, Dr. Benjamin Berkey, Jennifer Trnka and Michael Trnka.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Edward "Doc" Trnka, on Aug. 1, 1990; one son, Dr. Kenneth Trnka; and two brothers, Russell Erickson and irving Erickson.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, assisted the family with arrangements.