Obituaries

DeForest-

After 82 years, one of life’s great journey’s came to an end with the passing of Arlene E. Kearney on October 24, 2023, at a Madison hospital. She was born on January 31, 1941, in Whitewater, WI, the daughter of Meredith and Eldora (Zanton) Paynter. Arlene graduated from Whitewater High School in 1959. She was united in marriage to Kenneth D. Kearney on January 25, 1964, in Rio, WI. Arlene was a stay-at-home mother while her children were young. She worked for years in retail, because she enjoyed meeting new people. Arlene and Kenneth were long time members of Lake Edge Lutheran Church. Arlene was a free spirit, with a generous heart, and she loved making sure the Christmas tree was full of gifts.

She is survived by her children: Steve (Kim) Kearney and Kendra (Bryan Kriel) Kearney; grandson, William Kearney; step-grandson, Shawn Peschl; two great-grandsons, Holden and Lincoln Kearney; two siblings, Robert Paynter and Liz Banholzer; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth; her parents; and her siblings, Nancy Morrow, Lavern Paynter, Myron “Mike” Paynter and Arlyn “Arnie” Paynter.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, 4032 Monona Dr, Madison, with Rev. Justin Dittrich officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or to Lake Edge Lutheran Church.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.