Arlene Kersten

Arlene C. Kersten, 91, formerly of Howells, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hillside Villa in West Point.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Howells Rescue and directed to the Kersten family at 722 Center St., Howells, NE  68641.

Arlene C. Kersten was born June 17, 1933, to William and Elizabeth (Eusterbrock) Knust in Howells.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Howells High School in 1951.  Arlene and Gerald G. Kersten were married at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on February 12, 1953.  The couple started their married life together on the farm soon moving to town where they raised their family.  In addition to her duties as a wife and mother, Arlene was employed at the Howells School Cafeteria for 25 years. She worked for the Village of Howells, beginning as a meter reader prior to serving the community within the Village Office.  Her employment with the Village lasted 50 years.

Arlene was a life-long member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church belonging to the Altar Society.  She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and supported Gerald in his instrumental role starting the youth baseball program and serving as one of the founding members of the Howells Rescue.    She was competitive, participating in League Bowling and League Shuffleboard events.  The couple enjoyed camping as a family, baseball games and sharing a beer together after a busy day.  Friends and family appreciated Arlene’s quick wit, kind heart, and sassy personality.  Arlene was “Ringleader” of the Kersten circus.  The love she shared with her children, grandchildren and great-grandsons will be forever cherished.

Survivors include:

Son – Mark (Wendy) and family:  Mark, Anthony (Dani), and Stephanie (Roy) Rivera

Son – Jeff (Marianne) and family: Zach (Sarah) and their son, Graham, Miles (Tess)

Son – Todd and family: Brianna, Will (Bethannie) and their son, Carter

Daughter – Tina (Jeff) Rhode and family: Peyton (Matt) Honnens

Arlene was preceded by her parents; husband, Gerald; daughter, Cindy; son, Matt; and sisters, Alda Wiemann, Lenore Wieler, Verena Luebbert and Jeanette Konsel.