Arlene H. Jones

Arlene H. Jones, age 91, of Oconomowoc, died at Towner Crest in Oconomowoc on January 20, 2026. Arlene was born April 10, 1934, in rural Cuba City, WI, the third of five children of Aloys “Ollie” Digman and Helen (Wagner) Digman. Arlene attended the one-room North Hollow school in rural Cuba City through 4th grade. Arlene graduated from the 8th grade at St. Mary’s School in Platteville, WI, and then attended Rewey High School in Rewey, WI, where she and her future husband, Bob, were Prom King and Queen. Arlene transferred to Platteville High School for her senior year, and graduated there in 1952. Arlene, an honor student, was president of her Junior Class and was active in Drama, Forensics, and Glee Club. After high school, Arlene worked as a bookkeeper at the local Ford dealer in Platteville.

On March 2, 1957, Arlene married her high school sweetheart, Robert W. Jones, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Platteville, WI. Arlene and Bob lived in Rockford, IL and Cudahy, WI before moving to Oconomowoc in 1968. Arlene was an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Oconomowoc for 58 years.

Arlene had a happy childhood and maintained lifelong relationships with her childhood friends. As the only girl among four brothers, Arlene mastered homemaking at an early age. She was an excellent cook and baker, known for her strawberry rhubarb pie, banana cake, and cinnamon rolls. Arlene was a creative and loving mother, organizing picnics and outings, and passing along her small town values to her children. When the children were little, Arlene was a Cub Scout den mother. In later years, she was a member of the Wednesday Morning bowling league in Oconomowoc for over 40 years. In the summer months, Arlene enjoyed spending time on her patio, watching the birds, and cultivating flowers and herbs.

Arlene’s life was a quiet testament to faith, love, and selfless service. She did small things with great love, and made the world a better place for those around her.

The family would like to thank the loving caregivers from At Your Service, who made it possible for Arlene to extend her time at home. We would also like to thank the compassionate staff of Towner Crest who helped Arlene in her short stay there.

Arlene is survived by five children: Bob (Karen) of Oconomowoc; Bill of Minneapolis, MN; Lynn (Steve) Vale of Sun Prairie, WI; Jeff (Lynn) of Oconomowoc; and Jill (Steve) Jung of Ixonia, WI. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Rob (Lin Lin) Jones, Jack Jones, Patrick Vale, Rhys Jones, Eva Jones, Jacob Jung, and Jenna Jung. Arlene is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Lulu and Josephine Jones, and her special godson, Matt Digman, along with many nieces and nephews. Arlene is survived by sisters-in-law Jan Digman of Platteville, WI; Kristine Digman of Dubuque, IA; Christine Jones of Winston-Salem, NC; and Judy Brannon of Estes Park, CO. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; grandson, Danny Jones; her parents; her four brothers, Eugene Digman, Elmer Digman, Bernie Digman, and Arnold Digman; her sisters-in-law, Darlene Digman, Rosemary Digman, and Beverly Digman; and her brothers-in-law, John Jones and Roger Jones.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Arlene will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church (995 South Silver Lake St., Oconomowoc, WI) on Monday, January 26, at 12:30 pm. Family and friends may call upon the family starting at 11:30 AM at the church. Burial at St. Jerome Cemetery will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jerome Catholic Church or to the Lake Area Free Clinic.