Arlene Mae Diedrich (Etzel) Scharenbroich, 91, Sun City, Arizona, formerly of East Moline, Illinois, passed away peacefully Feb. 7th, 2024. Per her wishes, cremation rights have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on June 7th, at 10:30 am at the Rock Island National Cemetery. For those wishing to attend, we kindly ask that you meet at the Van Hoe Funeral Home, located at 1500 6th Street, East Moline, Illinois at 9:45 am for the procession to the cemetery.

Arlene was born April 26, 1932, to William and Dorothea (Erickson) Diedrich near New Liberty, Iowa.

Arlene graduated from Davenport Central High School in 1950 and soon after began her career as a Telephone Operator at Northwestern Bell, where she later retired in 1983 after 32 years. She was actively engaged with the Telephone Pioneers of America for many years, serving as the State Chapter President from 1983-84.

Arlene married Richard "Dick" W. Etzel on June 18, 1955, in Davenport, Iowa. Upon retiring they enjoyed spending the summer months at their river cottage in Muscatine, Iowa, wintering in Glendale, Arizona. After 44 years of marriage, Richard preceded her in death on September 24, 1999.

Arlene chose to make Arizona her permanent home. It is there she met and later married James Scharenbroich in Sun City on September 12, 2005.

Arlene was a cheerful person who enjoyed dancing, bowling, and thrifting. Above all, she enjoyed spending her time with family and friends.

Arlene is survived by her second husband, James; daughters, Vicki Kerns, Buckeye AZ. and Nicki (John) Lambrecht, East Moline, IL.; stepson, Paul (Nancy) Scharenbroich, Sioux Falls, SD.; stepdaughter-in-law, Christine Chastek, South Haven, MN.; sister, Elaine Schick, Bettendorf, IA.; grandchildren, Vance Johnson, Scott (Stephanie) Lambrecht, Adam (Tia) Lambrecht, Jessica (Jose) Urquiza, Jennifer Berry, ; 12 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Richard Etzel; sister, Gladys Lindholm; son-in-law, Kevin Kerns; stepson, John Scharenbroich and step-grandson, Eric Scharenbroich.