Arlene Joyce Bannach, 86

Arlene Joyce Bannach, née Perron, of Plover, passed away Dec. 18, 2025, at Whispering Pines Assisted Living. She was 86.

Arlene was born Aug. 11, 1939, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Edwin and Ruby Perron, née Derozier. At a young age, she was lovingly given the nickname “Putty” or “Putz.” She grew up in the area, where she attended local school and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School.

On Oct. 26, 1957, Arlene married Emil Leonard Bannach. While the marriage would later end in divorce, during their marriage, they welcomed six children to their family. Arlene’s caring nature and compassion for others contributed to her successful career as a nursing assistant, working for River Pines and the Portage County Home. These traits also radiated in her devotion to her children. She was a loving mother and adoring grandmother.

Arlene’s passion in life was people. Whether it was caring for the residents at work, her children at home or her friends, she truly loved being with others. Arlene made a point to visit her family and friends often. She was also adventurous, enjoying less-known activities such as leatherworking and playing the steel guitar. She also enjoyed ceramics, going to the casino, playing cards and bingo. Above all, her greatest joy was raising her children and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.

Arlene is survived by her sons, Daniel Gregory (Annette) of Apple Valley, California, David Edwin of Wisconsin, and Thomas Emil Bannach (Kim) of Wisconsin; her daughters, Nancy Marie Novak (Richard Jr.) of Burnsville, Minnesota, Cynthia Ann Peel (Mark) of Wisconsin, and Bonnie Lou Foley of Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren, Bryan, Adam, Nicholas, Richard, Erin, Ryan, Molly, Niki, Kaitlin, Hunter, Tesa, Dalton and Sydney; and nine great-grandchildren.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Emil; her parents, Edwin and Ruby; her sisters, Rojean, Donna and Nada; and her brothers, Clifford and Alton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Whispering Pines Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care given to Arlene.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at Shuda Plover Funeral Home, 2400 Plover Road, Plover. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at the Village of Plover Cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.