Memorial

Arlene Mae (Gundling) St. Clair, age 98. of Decorah, Iowa, passed away in Decorah on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A private service will be held at a later date.

Arlene was born on March 31, 1926, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the daughter of the late Adolph and Ethel (Allard) Gundling. An only child, Arlene cultivated from an early age a close group of girlfriends, her siblings of choice, with whom she remained in contact throughout her life. Graced with a sunny disposition and openhearted warmth, she made and kept friends easily.

In 1945, she married her childhood sweetheart, Blake St.Clair.  She liked to tell how she was sitting in a tree when she first set eyes (and her heart) on him as the new boy in the neighborhood. Together, they raised two sons, Tom and Steve, and managed The House of Fireplaces, the family business they started. When Blake developed dementia in his 60s, she cared for him and her aging parents for several years until their deaths. After her husband’s death, she enjoyed a loving relationship with L.J. Neuenswander and after L.J.'s death, with Mickey McNiel until his passing. She never lost her zest for life or her ability to love and care for others.

More than anything else, Arlene enjoyed people and participated in a wide range of social activities.  In addition to her membership at Central Park Church, Arlene was active in Eastern Star and supported her sons’ scouting activities. She also loved to dance and was part of the Country Steppers, a line dancing group that performed at local nursing homes and special events in Cedar Rapids. Even at the end of her life, Arlene could perform the dance steps she learned as a child. She was active, quick-witted and kind to the last.  Her passing was quick and peaceful.

Those left to celebrate her life are her children, Tom (Elaine) St. Clair and Steve (Nan) St. Clair, her grandchildren, Cate St. Clair (Nic Hay ), all of Decorah, Iowa, Anne St. Clair (Surinder Moonga) of Santa Rosa, California, Matthew (Keri) Collins, Alex (Melinda) Collins, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Andrew Collins; her great-grandchildren, Eddie and Calvin Hay, and Katherine and Theodore Collins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to a charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Wellington Place for all the love and support they showed Arlene while she was in their care.