Arlene Dams, 81, of Kankakee, and formerly of Chebanse, passed away Wednesday (May 10, 2017) at Citadel Nursing Home in Kankakee.

She was born Feb. 5, 1936, in Watseka, the daughter of Lawrence and Agnes (Lauterbach) Hofer. Arlene married Vernon Leo Dams on April 15, 1955, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. He preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 2010.

Arlene's uplifting and inspirational personality made her loved by many. She could make a friend out of a stranger. Her favorite day was her birthday, and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving are her two sons, Glen (Marsha) Dams, of Sharon, Tenn., and Gregory (Barbara) Dams, of Kankakee; two sisters and one brother, Carol (Ronald) Hoekstra, of St. Anne, Dr. Rev. Paul (Lois) Hofer, of Aurora, Colo., and Paulette (Bill) Hartley, of Eddyville; four grandchildren, Captain Nathaniel (Anna Ko) Dams, of North Korea, Nicole (Dwayne Costello) Dams, of Georgetown, Texas, Dana (Raymond) Zarate, of Aroma Park, and Kyle Dams, of Bradley; and four great-grandchildren, Noah Dams, Raymond Zarate Jr., Ava Zarate and Anthony "Tony" Zarate.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and one daughter, Barbara Dams.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Monday until the 11 a.m. service at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bradley. The Rev. Patty Heath will officiate the service. Procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, will leave the church at 1 p.m., after lunch.

Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.

The family would like to express thanks to staff at Citadel Nursing Home for their loving care.

Please sign her online guestbook at clancygernon.com.

(Pd)