Arlene Martha Ahlbrandt

Arlene Martha Ahlbrandt passed away on October 7, 2010. She and her twin sister, Darlene Marie, were born in Fort Collins on June 19, 1930. She was the daughter of John Wesley, Sr. and Anita Marie Freyermuth Briggs. Arlene was a 1949 graduate of Fort Collins High School. She enjoyed keeping in touch with her classmates and life-long friends. She graduated from the Colorado State College of Education CSCE, now known as the University of Northern Colorado UNC. Arlene worked as an elementary teacher and as a secretary. For the past 25 years, writing was her avocation. She wrote books on local history and served as a newspaper correspondent, contributing numerous articles and columns. Writing was her way of preserving the history of her community and of the home town she loved. On September 19, 1953, Arlene Briggs married Harry Lee Ahlbrandt. The couple had three sons, Jerry, James Jim, and Joe Ahlbrandt whose wife is Michelle. They were blessed with three grandsons, James JC, Hayden, and Straten; and one granddaughter, Chelsea. Recently, two great-grandchildren joined the family. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Jerry Lee; and her brothers, L. Wesley Briggs and John Wesley. Arlene was a 50-year member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, a member of the Fort Collins Historical Society, the past president of the Pioneer Women Association, the past president of the Terry Lake Homeowners Association, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She also enjoyed the Red Hat Society. Her hobbies included collecting music boxes and books, traveling, and working crossword puzzles with her husband. Together, they enjoyed coffee-time at the Fort Collins Club with special friends. Her life will be remembered at an evening visitation service at the Bohlender Funeral Chapel from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover. Interment will be at the family plot at Grandview Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice in Care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525.