McDonald, Arlene's Obituary
Arlene McDonald was born March 4, 1933 to Laura and Vernon Herzog in Syre, Minnesota. At age 9, she moved with her family to Tacoma. She graduated from Stadium High School in 1950 and the next morning began her lifelong career as a legal secretary. While working for the state in Olympia, she met the love of her life, Bob, and they married August 20, 1955. Eight months later, on Bob’s Army discharge, they moved to Chicago where he was raised. After two years there and one in Indianapolis, they returned to Tacoma in September, 1959. She remained in Washington where she loved the Olympics and Cascades, especially Mt. Rainier until her death on April 25, 2025.
She was quietly proud of her Norwegian heritage and appreciated learning more about it in her membership, later in life, in Daughters of Norway, Embla Lodge #2. She was a prolific letter writer and took pride in keeping in contact with family and friends. Arlene enjoyed working with the Bethlehem quilters, reading, walking and travel, but most important of all was her family. She was very proud of her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandkids. Happiest times of her life were visits with them. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob; three daughters, Pauline (Larry) Smith, Tacoma; Nadine Hobson, Anthem, AZ; Laurine (Bill) Irwin, Gilbert, AZ; and seven grandchildren, Chad (Alasha) and Ali Smith; Lauren Hobson and Kelly (Seth) Balcer; and Emily (Nick) Hodges, Cole, and Jake Irwin. Also, one sister, Phyllis (Michael) Brown, Arlington, WA.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother, Ronald Herzog and his infant daughter Kristina Marie, her sister Lois McGrew and brother-in-law Al McGrew, and her son-in-law Roger Hobson.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 am at Mountain View Funeral Home, Garden Chapel.
Memorial contributions in honor of Arlene may be made to: Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Peace Lutheran Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Arlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arlene?
Share a story where Arlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arlene you’ll never forget.
How did Arlene make you smile?
