Arlene M. “Butch” McGinnis, age 98, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on January 29, 2026, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Arlene’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 2921 Central Avenue in Dubuque, with Rev. Raymond Burkle officiating.  Arlene’s Celebration of Life will be held following the service at the church from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Culbie’s Event Center, 90 Sinsinawa Avenue in East Dubuque, IL. where family and friends are invited to join in food and fellowship.  Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Arlene’s family.

Arlene was born on September 13, 1927, in Bellevue, IA, one of nine children to Peter and Clara (Gerardy) Michels.  She was blessed with a good life being able to walk among us for almost a century, enjoyed 56 years of marriage and was surrounded by family to love and adore the entire time.  Arlene met the love of her life, Cletus J. McGinnis, and they were eventually united in marriage on October 21, 1950.  They had six children of their own to love and nurture along the way until Cletus was sadly called home ahead of her in 2006.  Arlene spent 24 years working in the housekeeping department at the Telegraph Herald and made countless friends throughout her working career.  She was a go-getter in all aspects of life and whether at work or home, you could be sure that Arlene was going to address every task at hand.

Arlene valued her free-time as well when she wasn’t at work or caring for her family.  They made annual fishing trips to Minnesota in the earlier years and always enjoyed spending quality time together making memories which would last a lifetime.  When an opportunity arose to get out with friends and try her luck at the casino, Arlene was always ready for the challenge.  She also treasured every chance she had to sit around the card table with family and friends in search of the best euchre hands the day had to offer.  A little time with her trusty bingo dabber in hand was considered to be time well spent also.  But, truth be told, nothing brought Arlene greater joy than spoiling her grandkids.  Grandma was her favorite role in life and she played each moment perfectly.  We are going to miss our dear sweet Arlene and her spunky outlook on life more than she could realize.  Our worlds are definitely a little smaller today and the sun shines a little less brightly without her love and light within our daily life, but we are forever grateful for each and every memory she leaves behind now.  Thank you, Arlene, for being the best wife, mother and grandmother anyone could hope to have in their lives and may the Lord grant you peace now as we wait patiently to see your beautiful smile once again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Arlene include,

her five loving children,
Nancy McGinnis, Dubuque, IA,
June “Midge” McGinnis, Dubuque, IA,
Terry “Mugs” (Deb) McGinnis, East Dubuque, IL,
Gail (Sliver) Brimeyer, Dubuque, IA,
and Tim (Missy) McGinnis, Dubuque, IA;

her eleven adored grandchildren,
Matt (Amy Steve) Weinbender, Jesse (Lindsay) McGinnis, Joshua McGinnis, Molly (Barry) Gibson, Maloree Brimeyer, Chance (Nicole VonAh) Brimeyer, Sean (Tessa George) McGinnis, Kyle (Madi Digman) McGinnis, Ashley (Nate) Fee, Abby (Greg Dorwick) Coyle and Gauge McGinnis;

her thirteen great-grandchildren,

her siblings,
Larry (Joyce) Michels, Bellevue, IA,
Norma Casel, Otter Creek, IA,
and Robert (Kelma) Michels, Bellevue, IA;’

her sister-in-law,
Leanna Michels, Bellevue, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 56 years, Cletus McGinnis; her son, John “Taco” McGinnis; her siblings, Orville (Florence) Michels, Marvin (Rosie) Michels, Lester Michels, Kenny (Orva Mae) Michels and Maxine (Harold) Kueter; and her brother-in-law, Bill Casel.

In lieu of flowers, an Arlene M. McGinnis memorial fund has been established.