Arlene Fern (Gustafson) Chumley Obituary
Arlene Fern Chumley
March 25, 1931 – August 21, 2026
Arlene Fern Chumley, 95, of Fenton, Michigan, passed away on August 21, 2026, after a remarkable life spanning more than nine decades.
Arlene was born Arlene Fern Gustafson on March 25, 1931, in Wahoo, Nebraska, the daughter of John Richard Gustafson and Fern Pearl Barry. Her life eventually brought her to Michigan, where she raised four children — George, Scott, Kent and Elizabeth “Sissy” — and built a successful career and a life centered around family, friends and the lakes she loved.
Arlene was strong woman. Fiercely independent, intelligent, hardworking and determined, she knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to say what she thought. She could be stubborn, something those closest to her knew well, but that determination was one of the qualities that made her so successful. She was funny, outgoing and loved being surrounded by people.
Arlene was ahead of her time professionally. She began selling real estate in the early 1970s with Lakes of the North in Gaylord, Michigan. By the mid-1970s, she had established her own business, Arlene Chumley Real Estate, and developed a reputation as a specialist in waterfront property.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Arlene sold homes throughout the Fenton area and on many of the surrounding lakes, including Lake Fenton, Silver Lake, Lobdell Lake and Lake Ponemah. She later continued her career with Century 21 and Legacy Realty Professionals in Fenton, working well into her 80s before finally retiring.
Lake Fenton wasn’t simply where Arlene sold real estate. It was home. Over the years, she owned two homes on Lake Fenton. Her children grew up around boats, and other watercraft, and many of the family’s best memories were made on the water. Arlene loved being out on the lake, entertaining friends and family, and enjoying a good party.
She was an avid golfer who continued playing into her early 80s and loved to cook, entertain and travel. In her later years, her travels often included trips to casinos, where playing the slots became one of her favorite pastimes. Arlene worked hard, played hard and lived life very much on her own terms.
Arlene is survived by her children, George Tarkleson (Robin), Kent Tarkleson (Lauren Hunter), and Elizabeth “Sissy” Lipko; her sister, Connie Hilbert; and her grandchildren, Jayne Tarkleson (Jean Beland), Jill Tarkleson Davis (Zach), Paul Tarkleson (Lindsay), Tom Tarkleson (Danielle), Eric Tarkleson (Alice), Tanner Tarkleson (Meghan), Kallie Tarkleson (Harrison Sakai), Taylor Krefski (Austin), Kelsey Rockman, and Zachary Steers. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Tarkleson; her parents, John Richard Gustafson and Fern Pearl Barry; her brother, John “Johnnie” Gustafson; and her sister, Cathy Miller.
Arlene leaves behind a family spanning generations, countless memories of good times on Lake Fenton, and the example of a woman whose strength and independence defined much of her extraordinary 95 years. Her family and friends will remember her determination, humor, love of life and the unmistakable personality that made Arlene, Arlene.
