East Troy – Arlys Kay Wickler, age 78, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of her family, late Saturday evening, April 3, 2021.

Arlys was born in Pierre, South Dakota on August 3, 1942 to the late Elmer J. and Hilma E. (nee: Johnson) Thompson. She graduated from Russell High School in Minnesota in 1960. On January 9, 1965 in Oxnard, CA she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Edward P. Wickler. Arlys and Ed relocated to Wisconsin in 1967, where she enjoyed snowmobiling, horsebacking riding and riding motorcycles.

Arlys enjoyed taking care of her children and her husband. Her care taking ability was unmatched and upon meeting her she became everyone's "mom". With a profound work ethic, Arlys was employed by the Nasco Corp. in Ft. Atkinson for over 20 years, travelling worldwide for the company later in her career, until she retired.  Arlys and Ed truly enjoyed the retired life,  living 7 months of the year on Lake Beulah and 5 months in Florida. She loved watching the birds and taking care of her dog, Buddy.  Among her other interests, Arlys enjoyed reading(with a huge book collection) she loved gardening, and was the absolute best cook, no one can make Texas Sheet Cake like grandma!. Arlys enjoyed pontoon boating and an occasional cocktail at sunset on the lake with Ed.  Above all, family was her everything and she always cherished spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and their significant others.

Surviving are her loving husband of 56 years, Ed; their daughters, Michelle "Miki"  Rainey and Kim (Robert) Gosh; grandchildren, Samantha (Haydon) Beecroft, Alexandria (Lorenzo Rodriguez) Rainey, Nicholas(Alixandria Talady) Gosh and Jenna (Jose Beccera) Rainey; sister, Linda (David) Koss; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Inkmann, Joyce Riehle and Karen Schroeder; brother-in-law, Russell (Mary) Wickler; nieces, nephews, other dear relatives and friends.

Arlys was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer & Hilma Thompson; brother, Gary Thompson; Ed's parents, Russell & Catherine Wickler, Sr.; sister-in-law, Ruth (Fred) Radtke; and brothers-in-law, Ed Inkmann, Harold Riehle and Joseph Schroeder; son-in-law, George Rainey.

In accordance with Arlys's wishes, private family services will be held to celebrate her life.

The family would like to thank ProHealth Home Care-Hospice for the extraordinary  care that was given to Arlys.