Arden W. Alexander

Arden W. Alexander of Menomonie, WI, passed away, Monday, July 6, 2026 at Mayo Hospital in Menomonie.

He was born July 10, 1932, at his home in Rice Lake, WI, to Robert Alexander and Wanda (West). He grew up on a dairy farm in the area and graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1950. Arden attended UW-Madison, graduating in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry. Through the ROTC program he entered the U.S. AirForce and was stationed at Lackland AirForce Base in San Antonio, Texas. He attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Arden married Ardes Stearns on September 11, 1954, at Campia Lutheran Church in Barron County. Upon completion of military service, Arden was employed by Ralston Purina and located in Minnesota.

In 1958, Arden and family purchased a dairy farm near Rice Lake and he was employed at Gerlands Creamery. In 1967, the family moved to Spooner, WI, and Arden worked for FHA. In 1969, Arden & family moved to Menomonie and his work continued with FHA. He then moved to employment at Bank of Menomonie, working there for 25 years and achieving the position of Vice President in charge of Agricultural Loans.

Arden & Ardes raised five children. He was very active in the Menomonie Community including the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Lions Club, and the Dunn County Bankers Association serving in leadership roles for many of these organizations. He enjoyed judging dairy cattle shows at County Fairs, hunting, fishing, golf, and sports in general. He introduced his children and grandchildren to these activities, passing along the joy they brought him.

Arden is survived by four of his children Kyle (Mary) of Shawano, Judy (Brad Chandler) of Rice Lake, Kristi (John Donovan) of Sedona, AZ, John (Erin) of Menomonie, grandchildren Bradley (Brooke), Will, Eli (Mary), Tawny (Shane Fredin), and Taylor Chandler, Ryan (Elizabeth), Adam (partner Rebecca), Jason (partner Tania), Hailey and Lauren Alexander, great grandchildren Avery, Brie, Madison, Dylan, Brooklyn, and Kennedy Chandler, James and Laura Alexander, and Nora Fredin, his brother Daryl, sister Anita (Donn) Wedin, sister-in-law Charlene (Mert) Maki and Janice Stearns. We also want to recognize Arden’s partner of the past nine years, Janice Holzer.

Arden is preceded in death by parents Robert and Wanda, wife of 62 years Ardes, daughter Charlotte, grandchildren Levi and infant Emery Chandler, brothers-in-law Rich Bilodeau, Phil Stearns, Jerry Weed, and Larry Stearns, sisters-in-law Erma Weed, Shirley Stearns, and Diane Alexander.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at New Life Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI, with Pastor George Schrader officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery with Military Honors performed by the Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be made to New Life Lutheran Church in Menomonie. The family also expresses sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff and the Comfort Care Team at Mayo Hospital in Menomonie.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com