Arlene Wilfley

Arlene Caroline (Kuhlengel) Wilfley, 88, of Fulton, Missouri, entered into eternal life at her home on April 16, 2020. Born on January 7, 1932 in Nashville, Illinois, she was the daughter of Ella (Kaufman) Kuhlengel and Theodore Kuhlengel. Baptized into Jesus as an infant, she grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Arlene was married to Donald Gene Wilfley Sr. on March 10, 1951 in St. Louis, a union that lasted 56 years.

Arlene is survived by five children and four son-in-laws: Debra Link (Dr. Robert Link), Donna Moore (Brian Moore), Diane Branch (Jack Branch), Dr. Denise Wilfley (Dr. Rob Welch), and Donald Gene Wilfley Jr.; sixteen grandchildren: Angela Link Elley, Greg and Dr. Ryan Link, Melissa Moore Barnes, Benjamin Moore, Jeremy Atterberry, Myles Branch, Angela Branch Adrian, Wil, Emma, and Ella Welch, Zachary, Haley, Dalton, Wyatt, and Grayson Wilfley; twelve great-grandchildren: Ashton and Isabella Elley, Smith Link, Hannah, Adam, and Micah Link, Lillian Barnes, Theodore Moore, Lidya and Berk Atterberry, and Lochlyn and Kolton Adrian; two sisters, two brother-in-laws, and one sister-in-law: Beulah Schneider (Dan Schneider), Jeanette Helton (Terry Helton), and Mary Ellen Kuhlengel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Gene and Stanley Kuhlengel; a sister, Bernice Vahle; one grandson, Tyler Gene Branch; and her beloved husband, Donald.

After moving with her family to Fulton from St. Louis in 1969, Arlene worked at Gasper’s Restaurant in Kingdom City for over thirty years as a waitress and hostess. While at Gasper’s, she enjoyed the family-like atmosphere and lively interactions and companionship with co-workers and customers. Arlene's primary vocations, however, were as wife, mother, and grandmother, through which she blessed her numerous relatives by her constant love and extraordinary personality.

Arlene was a long time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulton, where she was faithfully nourished by God’s Word and Sacraments. Her hobbies included playing cards, dancing, going to church, cooking, and watching good movies. However, her favorite pastime was having fellowship with her family members, all of whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulton, MO.

Online condolences may be made online at www.debofuneralhome.com