Arlene H. Perenchio

Arlene H. Perenchio passed away on September 5, 2024. She was born on October 3, 1925, to George and Lelah (Longman) Pries in Walworth County, WI. She was educated at Brick Church Grade School and Walworth High School.

In 1947, she married James (Jack) Perenchio, and they were blessed with eight children: Jill (Frank) Mills, Martin (Carol) Perenchio, Jeffrey (Christine) Perenchio, Ann (Paul) Scherbinski, Gina (Dave) Ingraham, Charles (Debra) Perenchio, Steven (Jana) Perenchio and Janet (Jim) Badovinac.

After raising her children, she worked in the accounting department of Shaw Newspapers for 19 years, retiring in 1992. Arlene and Jack became “snowbirds” and spent 12 wonderful winter seasons in Naples, Florida, before returning to their home In Harvard. They enjoyed traveling to several countries in Europe, especially Italy where Jack had many relatives.

Arlene loved sewing and created beautiful quilts and clothing, winning many prizes for her creations. She also loved to bake, especially cookies and bread, filling their home with delicious aromas and wonderful treats.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Harvard and sang in the bereavement choir. She belonged to the Village Quilters, the Harvard Grange, Women of the Moose, Dunham Koffee Klatch, Harvard Red Hat Society, and the Business and Professional Women organization. She also served as a Board member of Harvard School District SO.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Jack, her son Martin G. Perenchio, daughter-in-law Linda Perenchio, son-in-law William Baker, three grandsons (Max Perenchio, Zachary McMahon, and Todd Pihl), her parents, her brother (George “Bud” Pries), and her sister (Iona “Betty” Menzies)

Arlene will be missed by her children, “fifth daughter” and niece Marianne Murphy, her grandchildren (Annmarie Andersen, Stacy Kopach, Adam McMahon, Lisa Perenchio, Julie Perenchio, Lindsey Perenchio, Brian Darger, Evan Darger, Kathleen Darger, Cody Perenchio, Jim Scherbinski, Sara Scherbinski, Kim Ingraham, Kyle Ingraham, Erin Kruckenberg, Renee Pihl, Megan Noren, Kurt Perenchio, Katie Olson, Josh Widmayer, Ryan Perenchio, Dylan Perenchio, Brendan Perenchio, Jennie Badovinac, and Jake Badovinac), 24 great grandchildren, her sister’s daughters Nancy Johnson and Jamie Lane, her cousins Roger Longman, Barbara Clark and Debbie Helgeson, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private. A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Harvard Fire Department or to Gentiva Hospice at 85 W. Algonquin Road, #100, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.