Arlene Cardwell

Arlene A. "Toodie" Cardwell, 87, of Traverse City and formerly of Reed City, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. Arlene, the daughter of Edwin and Gertrude (Shade) Grein, was born on December 31, 1926 in Reed City and married Gordon (Mike) Cardwell on April 17, 1948.

Arlene loved her Lord and served Him for many years as a member of the Reed City Trinity Lutheran Church. She also loved to volunteer with the Red Cross and the local food pantry, and she was known for visiting homebound people and those at medical care facilities. She enjoyed watching and participating in bowling, cross country skiing and many other sports. She was a fan of Michigan State, U of M, and CMU football, and especially enjoyed the marching band performances.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Jay McCaughna; daughter, Cathleen Elkington of Traverse City; son, Paul (Merri-Sue) Cardwell of East Jordan; grandchildren, Lori (Mike) Kowalski, Michael and Brandon Cardwell; great-grandchildren, Mac and Madelyn Rueffer; sister, Lorraine Tubbs of Mt. Pleasant, and many very special family members and friends. She was preceded in death by husband, Gordon (Mike); infant sons, Stephen, Scott and Charles; and brothers, Eugene (Stan) and Edwin (Sonny) Grein.

On Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 1:30 p.m., Rev. Robert Zagore will officiate memorial services at the Trinity Lutheran Church on 13th Street and Maple in Traverse City, where Arlene was formerly a member. In remembrance of Arlene’s love of color, the family encourages those who gather to wear red. A private burial at Woodland Cemetery, Reed City will follow in the summer.

Please visit Arlene's webpage at www.lifestorynet.com to sign the guest book and share a message with her family. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home to handle the arrangements.

The family suggests memorials to The Osceola County Commission on Aging or the American Red Cross.