Arlette Ann Wachowiak (Pelke), age 87, passed away peacefully September 8, 2025, with her daughter at her side in Jonesborough, TN. She was born January 9, 1938, to Bernice and Peter Pelke, one of 11 siblings.

Arlette grew up in Clarendon Hills, IL and attended Hinsdale Central High School. She married Kenneth Wachowiak and had three children. Throughout her life, she had various jobs including assembly line at Pepperidge Farm, clerk at the Downers Grove Police Department, and several child care positions.

Upon retiring, Arlette moved up to Minocqua, WI, where she was living her dream feeding and observing her beloved birds. Never was there a bird in the Northwoods who didn’t fascinate her (except maybe the whippoorwill who rudely woke her up too early). The squirrels, however, were a different story. Arlette worked hard to eradicate as many of the annoying creatures as she could. In fact, for a time, she was known by family and friends as “Granny Oakley” in reference to the many squirrels she eliminated and the meticulous record-keeping of the numbers and species of said squirrels.

Above all, Arlette loved her family. Getting together for holidays and any occasion delighted her. Every meal and dessert became a family favorite…we challenge anyone to make potato salad as good as hers! And her kolaches - impossible to beat! Silly and sassy, Arlette was always up for a family party - often dancing well into the night. We will miss her vibrant personality.

Arlette is survived by her children - Brad (Margi) Wachowiak, Janet (Kevin) Groce, and Doug Wachowiak; grandchildren - Daniel (Emma) Groce, Rachel Groce, Jacob Groce, Hannah (Joe) Ponitz, Becky Wachowiak, Zack Wachowiak, Meggie Wachowiak, Brett Wachowiak, and Drew Wachowiak; great-grandchildren - Eliana, Mia, Rory, Izzy, Wesley, Kinsley; siblings - Betty Franklin, Wayne Pelke, Dennis Pelke; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents - Bernice and Peter; ex-husband - Kenneth Wachowiak; siblings - Audrey, Marceline, Laverne, Melvin, Delaine, Clifford, and Russell.

There will be a private Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Arlette to:
Gentiva Hospice, 208 Sunset Dr., #365, Johnson City, TN 37604 or gentivahs.com

Arlette, Are, Mom, Grandma, Gigi, Auntie…we will miss you.