Arlene (Luetscher) Block, age 95, peacefully left this world on Tuesday, October 27th, just hours after her beloved husband, Ryland passed away.
Arlene was the daughter of Irvin and Margaret Luetscher. She was born on October 13, 1920. For her recent birthday, she was showered with 156 birthday cards from those whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Raised in the Town of Sumpter, Arlene graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1938 and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1942. She graduated with a BS degree majoring in home economics and education. She began her teaching career in Clinton, Wisconsin.

After she married and returned to Prairie du Sac, Mrs. Block worked in the Prairie du Sac Schools, latter Sauk-Prairie High School, where she taught biology, speech, physical education and most primarily home economics. As a teacher, Mrs. Block was a favorite of countless students and was known for being a "second mom", wise advisor, and a trusted adult that her students could always talk to.


In 1946, Arlene married Ryland Block. Together they built a strong and loving family that gave their three children a solid foundation on which to build their own lives. Arlene and Ryland shared an incredible life together, camping, traveling, and starting "Block Rocks".

In addition to being a wonderful mother, wife, and teacher, Arlene was a devoted Christian. She was an active member of Concordia Methodist Church. Arlene modeled her beliefs through her daily behavior and encouraged others to do the same.

Arlene is survived by her daughters Carol Block (Howard Lowe) of Madison and Sue Smalley of Chippewa Falls; her daughter-in-law, Linda Block of Prairie du Sac; six grandchildren, Jessica Block, Joseph (Kim) Block, Anne Marie (Dan) Gander, Ben (Jen) Smalley, Robert Lowe and Adam Lowe; 5 great-grandchildren, Ryne and Hailey Gander, Olivia and Mila Block and Henrietta Smalley; and brothers Wilbur (Nyla) Luetscher and Leroy Luetscher.

She is preceded in death by her son, Robert; mother and father; brothers Melvin (Lovice) Luetscher and Neal Luetscher; and son-in-law Scott Smalley.


A memorial service for Arlene and Ryland will be held on Friday, October 30th at Concordia Methodist Church at 585 5th St, Prairie du Sac, WI. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM followed by the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Road, Baraboo, WI 53913.