Arlene Brickman age 94 of Oelwein passed away Friday June 28, 2019 at Mercy One Living Plus in Oelwein. She was born August 5, 1924 in rural Oran, Iowa the daughter of Ernest and Hattie (Pfahning) Buenzow. She attended the Oran Elementary School through the eighth grade. After that she was needed at home to help raise her younger sister and brother after their mother was killed in automobile/train accident Arlene married Harold Brickman on April 17, 1949 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank, they were happily married for 24 years. Arlene was a former waitress at Baker’s Cafe, the Dairy Barn both in Oelwein, she was a cook at Mercy Hospital as well as Oelwein Healthcare. Arlene was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She loved cooking and baking, especially cookies for her family. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. After retiring in her mid-seventies Arlene kept active by volunteering at The Cupboard making crafts to sell. She always had a smile to greet you and was always kind and ready to help others. Her strong faith kept her content and happy. Her family would like to extend a heartfelt special thank you to the staff of Mercy One Oelwein Senior Care for the compassionate care and friendship they offered her when she had to rely on others for her care. They became her extended family. Also to Cedar Valley Hospice for the excellent care to her and our family. She is survived by her daughter, Jane (Craig) Hinde of Oelwein, her son Dennis Brickman of Dallas TX, one granddaughter, Stephanie (Steve) Beary, one grandson, Shawn Boss of Cedar Rapids, two great-grandchildren; Isaac and Olivia Beary all of Cedar Rapids along with many step-grandchildren, one brother; Dale (Jeanette) Buenzow of Marion, one brother-in-law; Arlen (Donna) Brickman of Waverly, one sister-in-law; Fran Sievers of Des Moines along with many nieces and nephews. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Kenny Buenzow and one sister, Doris West.
Visitation: 9:00-10:30 am Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fairbank.
Funeral Services: 10:30 am Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.
Condolences for Arlene Elizabeth Brickman
Arlene was always a very special friend to our mother, Martha Fox, and our whole family. We have many happy memories of Arlene. Our sympathy to your family. Darlene (Fox) Reynolds
I worked with Arlene at The Dairy Barn, was a hard working woman, have lots of memories of her from there. Thoughts and prayers for her family …
I have fun memories of working with Arlene at church. We also shared good talks at WV school conference time about what wonderful children she raised. She was a special lady. We send our sympathy and blessings to her family.❣
I remember coming to the Brickman home and playing cards with Dennis and Jane as well as my uncle’s Pat and Roger Jans. I’m sorry for your loss. Your mom was so kind to us. Diane Marie Bohlen
I worked with Arlene at Oelwein Care. Always busy. Always a smile. She was an excellent cook and boy could she bake!
My sympathy to Arlene’s family at this time of loss. Arlene’s sister, Doris, was my stepmother. I loved them both.
Sorry for your loss of your mom, she sure was a good cook, we worked with her while at Mercy in Oelwein. Recently seen her at MLP, claims she knew me. Will miss our talks from now on, thinking of her family during this time. Always be close with each other. Worked with many good people at Mercy, miss those days.