Arlene D. Wright

Arlene D. Wright, 83, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was born in Stanley, WI on October 24, 1942 to Arleigh & Florence (Ladwig) Western. Arlene graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with the class of 1960, where she was an active member of debate club, concert band, and varsity cheerleading. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1964 and Master of Science in Education degree in Early Childhood Education in 1980 from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She earned a second Master of Science in Education degree in Principalship/Education Directorship in 1992 from the University of Wisconsin, Superior.

Marriage united Arlene and James M. (Jim) Wright on August 17, 1963. They welcomed two daughters, Lisa in 1969 and Stacey in 1972. Her beloved grandchildren, Claire, Nora, Lydia and Maks were a source of great pride and much joy. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Her professional journey began as a kindergarten teacher at First Ward Elementary School in Chippewa Falls. After completing her Masters in Early Childhood and Special Education, she shifted to teaching in special needs programs, eventually becoming an administrator for early childhood and special needs educational services for West Central Wisconsin through CESA10. Arlene never truly retired, but always commented that she had “repurposed” her career, continuing to share her talents as an Independent Education Consultant where she collaborated with the state of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction to shape The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. She was highly recognized for her many contributions to early childhood education, receiving an Award of Excellence from the Wisconsin Head Start Associations and the Rose C. Engel award for Excellence in Professional Practice from the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children. Additionally, she was also inducted into the College of Professional Studies Hall of Honor and received the Outstanding Service Award from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Throughout her career, her focus and passion was always teaching, providing excellence, and ensuring equity in education for all children.

Arlene was deeply committed to giving back to her community with her time and talents. She was a lifetime member of the Chippewa Valley American Association of University Women and also a member of the AB Chapter of the PEO Sisterhood, organizations that supported the forwarding of education for girls and women. Arlene received the Chippewa Falls High School Distinguished Alumni Award, as well as the Chippewa Valley United Way Humanitarian Award where she served as Chair of the Education Advisory Council. Arlene was a long-time mentor through Mentor Chippewa, a program empowering local youth. Together with her husband, they created a family endowment through the Community Foundation of Chippewa County and made several meaningful donations to the Chippewa History Center, the Chippewa Valley YMCA, and the Irvine Park Zoo.

Arlene had a great love for travel, adventure, and spending time with family and friends. Her adventures ranged from summer trips across the United States in a camper with her husband and young daughters to exploring Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America with close friends. She reveled in the beauty and wonder of the countries and cultures she explored. In a display of her adventurous spirit, she even went skydiving to celebrate her 70th birthday. Arlene and Jim also cherished hosting friends and family at their lovely home in Moon Bay on Lake Wissota for birthdays, holidays, and especially in the summer over the Fourth of July.

Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Jim Wright; daughters, Lisa (Yuri) Bereznitski and Stacey Wright; grandchildren, Claire Koehler, Nora Koehler, Lydia Bereznitski, and Maks Bereznitski; and sisters, Judy Drivas and Marilynn (David) Johnson. In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, she is reunited in Christ with her parents (Arleigh and Florence Western), sister-in-law (Jeanne Wright), brother-in-law (Peter Drivas), and nephew (Timothy Johnson).

Arlene was being tenderly cared for at Our House Memory Care in Chippewa Falls and by St. Croix Hospice in her final days.

There will be a Celebration of Life starting at 11am on July 18, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St, Chippewa Falls with lunch being served. The celebration is open to all that loved and cared for her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the  Community Foundation of Chippewa County, Mentor Chippewa, or the United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley.