Arlene Mae Benrud, 72, of Onalaska passed away peacefully on September 7^th 2015 in her home. She was born on January 24, 1943 to Arlin and Rosemary Heser.

Her pride and joy was spending time with her daughters and her grandchildren. She traveled to Michigan and the Milwaukee area several times a year to enjoy time with her family. She is a lifetime member of St Patrick’s Parish.

Arlene began her work as a Dental Assistant in the early 70’s working for Dr. Barney, D.D.S. and Dr. Baumgardner, D.D.S. both of Onalaska Dental Office.  She sat chair side for over 50 dentists in the La Crosse/Onalaska area during her career as a dental assistant; retired in 2013 after working part-time for Dr. Cook, D.D.S. located in La Crosse.

Arlene served on the La Crosse County Board for 20+ years. Her selfless dedication and contributions were endless. She was the first woman to head the Wisconsin Counties Highway Association, served on the International Trade and Business Economic Council as chairwoman for tourism, chairwoman WCHA conference study committee and served on the computer services committee, economic development committee, Wisconsin state steering committee on judicial and public safety, Hidden Valley board, the Winding Rivers Library System board, the Shamrock Club and was a member of the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce. Arlene successfully spent six years lobbying for federal funding to complete the Cameron Street bridge project. She also fought for AMTRAK and against the closure of Fort McCoy.

Survived by her daughters Shelly (Schmidt) and Kim (Ellens), Grandchildren Matthew

(Shelly), Jake, Jordin and Brooke (Kim), Sister Shirley (David) Lemke, Brothers Richard

(Edna) Heser and Jeff (Renee) Heser and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and Jeff (Kim) Ellens.

Special thank you to her family, friends, Hospice, St. Patrick’s Parish, La Crosse County

Aging and ADRC for helping grant her wish to rest peacefully in her home.

In lieu of flowers donations will go toward health care expenses and the Father Rossiter Endowment at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday September 22 at St Patricks Catholic Church, 1031 Main Street, Onalaska.  Visitations will be held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, September 21 at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St, Onalaska, and from 9:00 until 11:00 am on Tuesday at the church.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.