Arlene Isaacson died peacefully in her sleep on August 22, 2020, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. She
was 96 years old.
Arlene Leta Stilwell was born on April 3, 1924 in Muskegon, MI, to parents "Bud" Albert Stilwell
and wife Leta Stanton Stilwell. The family moved to Thompsonville in 1929 after Bud's death.
They lived with Arlene's great-grandparents, Jim and Edith Merrill.
Arlene attended Thompsonville school from 1929 until 1942 when she graduated. Arlene loved
sports. She roller skated, ran races and usually won 1st place. She played basketball for four
years. She was in 4-H for eight years and won three state awards in serving.
Arlene married Rudy Isaacson in July 1942, and the couple resided in Detroit, where Rudy was
employed. The couple had three sons, all of whom were in band for several years. Arlene was
room mother several times, and was a driver for several school and band trips.
Arlene worked for 23 years for Fred Sanders Co, where she became manager and worked at
several stores. She was Union Representative for 21 years and helped secure benefits for short
hour employees.
In 1979 the couple moved to Thompsonville due to Rudy's poor health. They were members of
Benzie-Manistee Snowbirds for several years. Arlene served as officer for most of those years.
Arlene & Rudy volunteered at Bingo in Thompsonville. She worked at Beulah Drug Co from
1980 until 1997, where she made many friends. She was a member of the Thompsonville
Rebekas, where she was an officer several times. She was the lodge's musician.
Surviving are sons Raymond (Sandy) and Gordon (Linda), daughter-in-law Kathy, brothers John
(Mary) and David (Diane), grandchildren Bill (Kerri), Scott, Donna (Ken), and Lorene (Jim) and
seven great-grandchildren. She also has many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death
by husband Rudy, son Donald, brothers Roger and Victor, and sister Helen.