Arlene Ann Meekhof

Arlene Meekhof, age 87, of Granger, Indiana passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024 in South Bend, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 21, 1937 in Lansing, Michigan to Starr and Dorothy (Waltz) Thompson.

Arlene had a bright and energetic personality and a true entrepreneurial spirit. All these traits shined throughout her long working life. She was a major driving force and creative thinker in the success of the J & J variety store and Snack Shack restaurant in Lakeview, Michigan as well as Gumdrops in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Her personality and work ethic also made her a great salesperson in all her retail occupations which, in the true Arlene spirit, extended all the way up until a year before her death.

She was an accomplished baton twirler and an expert water and downhill skier in her younger years. Arlene also had a passion for deep sea fishing that extended from Maui to North Carolina and eventually to the Florida Gulf coast. Her friends and family will remember her for all those things but also for her love of life from parties to euchre and cribbage to travel and being surrounded by all those she loved.

Arlene was a woman of faith and regularly attended church wherever she lived. Most recently she was a summer member of Holy Trinity Lutheran church in Lakeview and a winter member of Peace Lutheran church in Fort Myers.

Arlene is survived by her son, Mark [Carla] Meekhof and daughter, Cari Corbalis, a brother, Gary Thompson, a sister, Ann Thompson, seven grandchildren-Brittney [Doug] Austin, Brittany [Brent] Rollins, Lindsey Meekhof, Dillon Clayton, Cody [Kim] Clayton, Haley [Drew] Conrady, Kira Corbalis and seven great-grandchildren- Oliver and Piper Rollins, Walker, Pierce and Crawford Austin, Emerson Conrady and Beckham Clayton.

She was preceded in death by her husband Murray [2008], her sister, Maureen Sartor and her granddaughter, Kelsey Meekhof.

A Memorial Service is planned on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17195 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana 46635. Visitation is planned starting at 9:30 prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Reins of Life therapeutic horseback riding in honor of her granddaughter, Kelsey Meekhof. Reins of Life, Inc., 55200 Quince Road, South Bend Indiana, 46619. Reinsoflife.org.

Neptune Society has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/arlene-meekhof-12148502