Arlene Simler

Arlene Ann Simler, 78 of Suttons Bay, Passed Away Thursday, February 25, 2021.

She was born on October 1, 1942 in Lake Leelanau the daughter of Joseph and Louise (Zeits) Wurm. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Jerry Mikula.

Arlene previously lived in Anchorage and Valdez, Alaska.

She graduated from St. Francis Catholic School. Graduated from Petosky Nursing School in 1961. She married David Simler in Traverse City on July 9, 1976. Dave’s military career took them to Alaska. Arlene worked at Valdez Community Hospital for 18 Years. They lived in Alaska for 23 years before retiring back to a small farm in Suttons Bay.

Arlene enjoyed gardening, cooking for family and friends, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Dave; children, Catherine (Eric) Brant, Julie Bristol and James Jay (Jodi) Bristol; brother, Ron (Katherine) Mikula; grandchildren, Jack, Tiffany, Logan, Sydney and great-grandchildren, Jack, Finn, Amelia and Cooper.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Louise and stepfather, Jerry.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Arlene to the Father Fred Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A gathering with the family will be announced.

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