Arlene D. Gambee Obituary (1937 - 2018)

HOWARD, OHIO---Arlene D. Gambee, 80, of Howard, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2018 at home in Apple Valley, Howard, Ohio. She was born in Gardner, Illinois on August 12, 1937 to Howard and Eleanor (Christensen) Nelson. She graduated with the class of 1955 from Gardner South Wilmington High School. She worked as a secretary at the Veteran's Hospital in Dwight until 1963 after which she became a devoted housewife and mother. Arlene was an extremely pleasant, loving person who enjoyed her family. She loved cooking and baking for church activities and family. She loved to read novels, travel and visit with friends. When grandchildren arrived she was thrilled and could not wait to see them as well as make each one a quilt. Surviving is her beloved husband of 58 years, Leslie (Les) Gambee of Howard, Ohio who she married April 9, 1960 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dwight, Illinois. Arlene is also survived by one daughter, Karen (James) Longtine, of Erie, PA; three granddaughters: Emma Longtine, Ashleigh Longtine and Kathlyn (Katie) Longtine; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; two sons, Timothy Scott Gambee and Michael Scott Gambee; two sisters, Helen Humbert and Mary Ann Hiatt and two brothers, Francis Nelson and Donald Nelson. A graveside service will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Dwight, Illinois on April 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM; and a Memorial Service will be held on the same day at 2:00 PM at the Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice of Knox County, Mount Vernon, Ohio would be appreciated.