Arlene Patrick
Rev. Arlene Marie (Ternstrom) Patrick passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Bethany Home in Lindsborg, KS, ending a long life of service as a mother, minister’s wife and minister. Arlene was born on October 5, 1935, in Lindsborg, KS, to the late Verner and Lillian Ternstrom. While attending Bethany College, she met Jesse Patrick, whom she married on October 23, 1954.
Arlene resumed her formal education in midlife as a mother of six. She received her Bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy in 1977 from Iowa State University and completed her seminary studies at Eden Theological Seminary in St Louis. After being ordained in 1980, she and Jesse embarked on a shared ministry. Soon after, she achieved her Master’s degree in Counseling from Northern Arizona University.
Jesse and Arlene’s dedication to the church led them to serve and support congregations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, Arizona (Navajo Nation), Georgia, and Kansas. Together, they instilled in their children a lifelong love of music, learning, and service to others.
Arlene was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, always ready to lend a listening ear to loved ones and never failing to mark birthdays and happy occasions with a sincere, personalized card. She was a lifelong learner, a hard worker, and a woman of simple pleasures, including word games and a whimsical giraffe collection. She enjoyed playing piano, gardening, and visiting with her friends, relatives, and neighbors at Bethany Home, where she lived her final years.
She is survived by her children: Joleen Allen (David) of La Grange, GA; Kathryn Waters (Richard) of Burlingame, KS; James Patrick of Yuma, AZ; Susan Waked (Noman) of Amman, Jordan; Doris Ludek (Gregory) of Rochester, NY; and Brenda Hockberger (Philip) of Chicago, IL. Grandchildren: Richard Waters, Michael Waters, Arifi Waked, Sean Allen, Nadia Jaradat, Heidi Hockberger, Amira Jaradat, Jason Allen, Miles Ludek, Patrick Blim-Hockberger, Audrey DeGilio, Hanna Warmka, Nisreen Jaradat, Daniel Patrick, and Noor Jaradat. Great-grandchildren: Mariha, Marissa, Tyler, Chloe and Christina Waters; Yasmeen, Sarah and Layla Jebrin; Ghalia Al Mueidi; and Ella Warmka.
She is preceded in death by her husband: Rev. Jesse Patrick; parents Verner and Lillian Ternstrom, brother Ray Ternstrom; and sisters Carolyn Soderquist, Charlotte Ternstrom, and Karen Flaming.
The family wishes to thank Bethany Home staff, residents, friends and caregivers.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg.
The funeral will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 at Messiah Church, 402 North 1st Street, Lindsborg, KS with Rev. Mandy Todd officiating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg will be held before the funeral service at 9:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Home. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.