Arlene J. Banfield

Cuba City, Wisconsin

Arlene J. Banfield, 94, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 4, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Church, Cuba City, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will take place in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Cuba City, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 9-10:45 a.m. Monday at the church prior to the service. The Catholic Daughters of America will lead a parish rosary service at 8:45. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Arlene was born on June 4, 1930 in Morton Grove, Illinois, the daughter of Lewis and Juanita (Woolstenholme) Chapman. She graduated from Ridgeway High School. Arlene was united in marriage to Edwin “Ed” Banfield on October 18, 1950, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2020. Ed and Arlene were faithful members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where Arlene was a lifelong member of the Catholic Daughters.

Arlene was a devoted mother and grandmother. She and Ed lived and worked on the family farm from 1950-1973, raising their six children, and Arlene also loved working as a waitress at the Elmo Club for many years. In 1973, they sold the farm and moved to Cuba City, where they owned and operated Florine’s Drug Store. When Ed retired, he and Arlene wintered in Arizona for 17 years. They loved traveling to visit their children and grandchildren. As the great-grandchildren arrived, sometimes four in one year, Arlene called them all her “little sweethearts”. Arlene enjoyed bingo, bowling, and playing cards, especially euchre. She loved watching game shows and was an avid reader. Arlene was known for her ability to make the best of every situation and make every person feel loved and appreciated. She was patient, thoughtful and loyal. Arlene had a truly infectious laugh and it was always a joy to spend time with her. During countless kitchen table conversations, Mom listened without judgement as we laughed, we loved, we cried and we comforted.

Arlene is survived by six children, Linda (Ron) Whitt, Slinger, WI, Julie Bockhop, Cuba City, WI, Laura (Jeff) Johnson, Delavan, WI, Jane (Ron) Slaght, Pleasant Prairie, WI, Ed (Pam) Banfield, Antioch, IL, and Bill (Mary Jo) Banfield, Kewaskum, WI; a sister, Janet Esch, Ridgeway, WI; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Pam Freymiller.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Dewey Bockhop; four siblings, Shirley Chapman, Dale (Mary Lou) Chapman, Shelby Machgan, and Kristie (Wayne) Abernathy; a brother-in-law, Dave Esch; and Ed’s siblings, Imelda (Ed) Alt, Luella (Dede) O’Neill, Katie (Walt) Weber, Sylvester (Pearl) Banfield, Louie (Grace) Banfield and Mary “Beeb” (James, Bob) Johns-McWilliams.

The family would like to thank Amy Connolly and Christy Willis for all their care of Arlene throughout the years.

Memorials in Arlene’s name may be sent to:

Casey-McNett Funeral Home

c/o Arlene Banfield

123 N. Jackson St.

Cuba City, WI 53807.