Arleen Mary Sager Weise began her heavenly journey August 19, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family, wrapped in her favorite quilt, hand-pieced by her mother, and listening to Alan Jackson, her favorite singer.
Arleen was born July 28, 1939 to Edwin and Elsie Hildebrand Sager. She grew up in the boonies of Arneckeville, helping the family with a dairy farm and eating sandwiches made with strawberries & home-made butter. Arleen was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arneckeville, the same church where generations of her family attended, played the organ, and preached.
Arleen married Roger Weise, July 3, 1960, whom she met at a ballgame in Weesatche. Arleen travelled all over the state, and even flew to California and Arizona, with Roger for ball tournaments, a favorite past-time. She could be counted on for bringing strawberries and banana bread to share with the baseball family. She was also known for her M&M cookies and peanut butter rice Krispie treat cookies (which were always done drop style and squished into balls or ‘they didn’t taste right’) and of course we can’t forget the numerous green-grape pies, which were a staple at all church functions. Arleen was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs, sporting many shirts showing her team loyalty, and of course her favorite team the Cuero Gobblers, attending almost every home game to cheer them on. Arleen’s absolute favorite past-time was fixing puzzles; she liked to say she was “a puzzle freak since age 5”, and was often ‘puzzled’ at how others didn’t enjoy them as much as she did. Over the years, she fixed thousands of puzzles, the largest being 3,000 pieces. As her vision faded, she was determined not to give up puzzles; so the puzzles got smaller and the pieces larger, but the puzzle assembly continued until she was too tired to do anymore.
Arleen liked to talk and visit. Her favorite subjects were her home, how she met Roger and how long they had been married, puzzles, gardening, and her great-grandkids. Arleen was quite proud that she and Roger lived in the home she was born in; this was a frequent topic in conversations and visitors were led down the hallway to see family photos. She liked to tell everyone how long she and Roger had been married. When asked what the secret was, she would say “ask Roger”, to which he would reply “it’s yes, dear”. A favorite conversation was due to her saying “I don’t play favorites”. Followed by comments from the kids and grandkids – “But I’m your favorite daughter; or I’m favorite grand-daughter; or you know I’m your favorite, just admit it for once”, followed by much laughter.
Arleen cherished her grandkids and great-grandkids. She did not know the word no, especially with the great-grandkids; they all knew granny loved them no matter what and was always there for a hug, kiss, and a cookie or two. They loved going to church with granny and papa and having lunch afterward. Granny’s favorite good-bye to the kiddos was a kiss on the cheek followed by “now don’t wipe it off”.
Arleen lived a servant’s heart. She was a kind and generous woman and enjoyed giving to others. She had great faith and at the end when she couldn’t attend church in person, she would attend via the TV, watching numerous services every Sunday. Every day ended with The Lord’s Prayer and saying ‘I believe in the Father’ in German.
Arleen leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Roger of 65 years; daughters – Jeanice Caddell, LaNell (Steve) Storbeck, and Michelle Borgfeld; son-in-law Lawrence Clendennen; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Luella Spence; brother, Marvin (Norrean) Sager; and a large extended family of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. Arleen was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Karen Clendennen, sons-in-law Clay Caddell and Charles Borgfeld, and brother-in-law Rodney Spence.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 22, 2025, 5:00-7:00 pm at Massey Funeral Home in Yorktown. Services will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church of Arneckeville with Pastor Kara Hairell-Speed officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pall bearers will be Caleb Storbeck, Matt Garza, Clifford Caddell, Zachary DeLeon, Ashley Borgfeld, Lawrence Clendennen, and Dennis Weise.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of South Texas for the compassionate care they provided to mom and the family. Also thank you to the family members, friends, and pastors who called, messaged, brought meals, and came to see mom and made their love known to her and us.
Memorials may be made to the family to offset medical expenses or to Hospice of South Texas, Dornburg Center – 1005 Mallette Drive, Victoria, Texas 77904.
A few lines from Arleen’s favorite singer, Alan Jackson:”She flew up to heaven on the wings of angels – By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees.And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waitin’ – And I know she’s smilin’ sayin’, don’t worry ’bout me”
We leave you with much love and many kisses on the cheek– and don’t wipe them off….