Arlene Hjelm

A Memorial Service for Arlene Hjelm will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska, with Pastor Curtis Simonson officiating.  An inurnment will follow at the Alma Cemetery, Alma, Nebraska.

Alrene Sylvia Hjelm, 84 years of age, of Alma, Nebraska area, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at her home. Arlene was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, on September 15, 1941, the youngest of three daughters born, to Arthur Sylvester and Kathryn Viola (Salter) Kalbach. She received her education from Darby Public Schools and later attended and graduated from Darby High School, with the class of 1959.

Arlene was united in marriage to Larry Thomas, who brought his two young children to the union and the couple was blessed with two sons:  Daniel and James.

On August 2, 1974, Arlene was united in marriage to Ronald G. Hjelm at Littleton, Colorado.  Arlene worked for many years as the Secretary to the Regional Manager for All State Insurance in Colorado.

Arlene enjoyed quilting, riding dirt bikes in the Colorado mountains, and baking wedding cakes.

Arlene was preceded in death by:  her parents; sister, Shirley Schallus; two brothers-in-law, Edward Bendell; and Allen Hjlem.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Ron Hjlem of Alma; her children:  Daniel Thomas and his wife, Theresa of Parker, Colorado; and James Thomas and his wife, Laura of Loveland, Colorado; step-children:  Larry Thomas and his significant other, Betty Ulmer of Eureka, South Dakota; and Valarie Prince and her husband, Fred of Portland, Tennessee; Ron's children:  Deborah Schroder and her husband, Douglas of Littleton, Colorado; Bradley Hjelm and his wife, Lisa of Littleton; Ronald Hjelm and his wife, Linda of Denver, Colorado; and Donald Hjelm and his wife, Bernadette, of Chino Valley, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, throughout the U.S.; her sister: Laurie Bendell of Littleton, Colorado; a sister-in-law: Rosella Hjlem of Englewood, Colorado; along with other relatives, and friends.

Cremation was chosen.  There will not be a visitation, viewing or memorial book signing the evening prior to the service.

A memorial has been established in Arlene's honor, and kindly suggested to the family, for future designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.