Arlene May Hougas, age 96 of Rice Lake, WI, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at the Cottages at Meadowlands in Oconto Falls, WI surrounded by her family.

Arlene May Hougas was born on December 29, 1929 to William and Mazzie Yackel in Sanborn, MN. After graduating high school in Sanborn, MN, Arlene worked at a telephone company as an operator. She met her husband, Frank, when he rented a room from her parents while he was working for Lampert Yards. They were married on April 16,1950 and were happily married for 68 years.

Frank and Arlene moved from Sanborn to Sibley, Iowa and then to Rice Lake, WI while Frank continued his work for Lamperts. Arlene worked part time for Birchwood Manufacturing and Libby’s as well as being a housewife and mother to her two sons.

Arlene was very involved in the First United Methodist Church, The Red Hat Ladies, and Fortnightly. She also volunteered for Lakeside Medical Lifeline and delivered Meals on Wheels. She loved her time spent with friends having coffee at Hardees.

Arlene is survived by her children, Wayne (Marilyn) Hougas and Gary (Linda) Hougas. She has two granddaughters who she was so proud of and loved very much. Myriah (Joshua) Farrell and Amanda Hougas. Arlene also had three great-grandchildren, Madelyn, McKenzie and Thomas Farrell. She loved playing games with them and spoiling them any time she could. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents, Willliam and Mazzie Yackel and her brother Clinton Yackel.

Arlene spent her last four months at the Cottages at Meadowlands in Oconto Falls, WI where she could be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. She was very happy there and loved seeing her family so often. We want to thank the Director, and the entire staff at the Cottages for their excellent care and kindness, making her last months very special.

Thank you also to the nurses and staff at Moments Hospice for their wonderful and thoughtful care. A special thank you to Debbi Pacholke, Carli Wagester, and Austin Pacholke for their care and love they showed Arlene over the years. We could not have kept her in her apartment as long as we did without their help.

Funeral Services will be held at 1PM Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, Rev. Jess De Los Santos officiating, with interment in the Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake, WI.

Visitation will be held from 11AM-1PM Sunday, March 8 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI.

Last Update: Feb 27, 2026 9:55 am CST