Obituary: Arlene (Kaiser) Koker

Arlene (Kaiser) Koker, age 79, passed away surrounded by her family on March 25, 2024 at the Courtyard Manor Nursing Home in Howell, Michigan.

She was born September 3, 1944 in Detroit, MI to Norman “Jack” and Wilma (Scheppe) Kaiser. On January 4, 1964, she married the love of her life and devoted caregiver, Richard Koker, and they enjoyed 60 years together. She is survived by her husband, Richard, her children, David (Wendy) Koker, and Daniel (Angela Christiansen) Koker, and the apple of her eye, granddaughter, Taia Koker. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald (Arlene) Kaiser, as well as nieces, Tracy, Jennifer, and Michelle, and their families. The family would also like to thank her very special friends, Glenn and Hilda Buckmaster, for their continued love and support. She also enjoyed her extended Koker family, Marion (Frank) May, John (Nancy) Koker, Jerry (Bettsey Spink), Karen (Larry) Kurzynowski, Mike (Rachel) Koker, and Stephanie (Tom) Heyden.

She was predeceased by her parents, and her father- and mother-in-law, John and Helen Koker. Her family was the joy of her life, and we are grateful for the memories that were built together. May they carry us through the days ahead.

Arlene especially enjoyed traveling and making beautiful jewelry. She began her working career as a very skilled cosmetologist. However, Sales Consulting was in her blood. She worked for many years in the Furniture Department of JC Penney at Briarwood in Ann Arbor. Always looking for new adventures, she found her real love as an extremely successful real estate agent. Arlene retired from Reinhart Realty.

The family would like to thank Courtyard Manor Nursing Home and Careline Hospice for their exceptional care and support. According to her wishes, Arlene has chosen cremation.

Visitation was held  at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, Michigan, on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Richard F. Smith American Legion Post 29, 3200 Lansing Ave., Jackson, MI, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. Funeral service to be celebrated by her niece, Pastor Tracy Collier. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Farm Museum.