Arlene E. Leinberger

LEINBERGER, Arlene E. (Rauschert) of Bay City, Michigan. Mrs. Leinberger passed away Saturday February 27, 2010 at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw, age 86. Arlene was born May 2, 1923 to Louis & Clara (Neumeyer) Rauschert. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Amelith all her life, being baptized, confirmed and married there. Arlene met her future husband, George F. Leinberger, in grade school and were friends all their life. The friendship grew into love in her teen years, and Arlene and her beloved George were married April 11, 1945. She spent most of her married life as wife, mother and helper on the farm. Arlene survived many illnesses and life threatening reactions with cardiac arrest in August of 2008. Arlene and her beloved sister-in-law, Lucille Rauschert who preceded her in death in 2001, were co-owners of Allura Flowers for eight years. She also helped start Helping Hands, making turbans for cancer patients. As much as she loved flowers, Arlene's greater love was sewing. She started making doll clothes when she was nine years old. Her greatest achievement was writing the history book of St. John Church, 'Walking in the Light', in 2002, which won a national award from Missouri Synod Archives. Arlene and George raised five wonderful children: Diane (Dennis) Rau, Gary (Dorothy) Leinberger, Randy Leinberger, Lori (Floyd) Goss and Vickie (Joel) Robertson, all of whom survive them; along with 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Maynard Rauschert. Arlene was preceded in death by her beloved George on May 21, 2008. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday March 2, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church of Amelith, 1690 Amelith Road. Officiating will be Rev. Stephen P. Starke with interment following in St. John Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Monday from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday morning at church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran School. gephartfuneralhome.com