Merkel, Arlene Ann (Martin) 65, was called to Eternal Life on December 21, 2012 with her family at her side at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.Arlene was born on October 26, 1947 to Ethyl (Ebert) and Alex Martin in Watertown, grew up in Big Bend, and graduated from Mukwonago High School in 1965.  On September 28, 1968 Arlene married Daniel Merkel and together they raised two boys in Merton.  She was employed at Kohl’s for 21 years.  Arlene enjoyed gardening, nature, reading and travel.  She was blessed with boundless imagination and rich with creative talents she used in floral arranging, sewing and interior design.  She was a member of the KMC HOG chapter since 1996, through which she and her husband met wonderful friends and shared many adventures.A loving wife and adoring grandmother, Arlene’s life was characterized by kindness, selflessness, generosity and optimism.  Her positive spirit provided comfort to her husband and all those around her, and we are blessed to know that she is experiencing the same in heaven.She's survived by her husband, Daniel; children, Daniel(Heidi) Merkel and Todd(Desiree) Merkel; three grandchildren, Clara and Mahriana Merkel, and Jayden Merkel; sister Sandee (Don) Kaebisch and brother Glenn (Rae Anne) Martin; nieces and nephews, relatives and close friends.  A visitation will be held on Thursday Dec. 27, at Church of the Resurrection W287 N3700 North Shore Drive, Pewaukee from 11:00 AM until time of Funeral Service at 1PM.  Entombment will follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield.