Arlene Joan Dabkowski, 83, Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Friday, April 7th, 2023 at 4:40 am in her home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 101 St. John Road, Michigan City, IN with Minister John Haferkamp and Pastor William Fine officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Tuesday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN and from 10:00 am - 11:00 am Wednesday at the church. The Women of the Moose 935 will conduct a memorial service at 7:30 pm Tuesday in the funeral chapel.
She was born June 14, 1939 in Michigan City, IN to the late William and Verdie Mae (Littrell) Wilk, Jr. On June 27th, 1959 At St John's United Church of Christ, in Michigan City, IN she married Joseph D. Dabkowski who survives in Michigan City, IN.
Also surviving are two sons, Joseph D. (Kelley Cole) Dabkowski, Jr. of Fillmore, IN and Jeffrey W. (Lisa) Dabkowski of La Porte, IN; her twin sister, Marlene Ann Haferkamp of La Porte, IN; six grandchildren, Joseph D. (Brittney) Dabkowski, III, Bethany Combs, Erica (Zach) Combs, Emily (Brandon) Moon, William (April) Dabkowski and Dalton (Rebecca) Dabkowski; and twenty great-grandchildren, Liam Dabkowski, Jaxon Dabkowski, Madelyn Dabkowski, Noelle Dabkowski, Evelyn Dabkowski, Maverick Moon, Eli Combs, Evan Combs, Elsie Combs, Naomi Sunderman, Asher Combs, Nora Combs, Marcus Hobson, Adri Hobson, Kye Tharp, Mattie Tharp, Mason Tharp, Shayla Sandoval, Alexis Nelson and Bowen Phillips.
She was also preceded in death by her grandchild, Jeremy Hobson; great grandchild Nevaeh Dabkowski; brother, Charles Forney.
Arlene and her twin sister Marlene grew up on the Wilk dairy farm in Springfield township and started milking cows at the age of 5. Arlene was a member of I Street Church of Christ, La Porte, IN and the Women of the Moose 935. She was a former member of St. John's United Church of Christ and Shady Lane Church of Christ. She was well known for baking sweets because her heart was full with sweetness. Arlene enjoyed playing bingo (favorite number was B14) but her greatest joy was attending church.
Arlene loved her family and she loved the Lord. A devoted Christian, she lived as a beautiful example of humanity, love and willingness to help others. She touched so many lives and would light up a room. She is now in a much better place.
John 14:1-3: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, Trust also in me. In my Father's house there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." Christians don't say "Goodbye"... rather "See you later." One thing is for sure, Paradise smells a lot more like homemade cookies, peach cobbler and cake.
Contributions may be made to the I Street Church of Christ, 1616 I Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707-3392.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit www.otthaverstock.com.
