(nee Kunze), 87 years, formerly of Rochester, MN, passed away at Kathy's Hospice in Wisconsin on Sunday July 23, 2017.

Arla was born January 12, 1930 to George and Minnie Kunze in Sleepy Eye, MN. In 1942, the Kunze family moved to Rochester, MN. Arla graduated in 1947 from Rochester High School. Arla married Raymond Spears on September 26, 1950. They were married for 59 years until his death in 2009. Their early married life began in Bruce, Wisconsin where Raymond served in law enforcement. In 1958, Raymond and Arla returned to Rochester where Raymond continued his career on the Rochester police force. Arla earned a Nursing Assistant certification from Rochester Technical College and worked 11 years as a home health aide for Samaritan Home Care.

The greater part of Arla's adult life involved being a housewife, raising her children and being a excellent cook and baker. She especially enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren. Her nightly hobby was working the Rochester Post Bulletin crossword puzzle. Arla also actively served the Country Club Manor community as an election judge for over 25 years.

Arla is survived by her children; Mary (John) Welhaven, James (Linda) Spears, Patricia Peterson, Michael (Denise) Spears, Susan (Michael) Stellmaker, Jean (Dan) Spears-Martin, Thomas (Jodi) Spears, and many grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Arla is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Spears, her infant son, and two infant grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday July 28 at 12 Noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church, N89 W16297 Cleveland Ave., Menomonee Falls. Visitation at the church from 11 AM until the time of the Mass. Interment will be at Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye, MN. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, Menomonee Falls, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern WI, 620 South 76th Street Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214 or Kathy's Hospice 3232 Pleasant Valley Rd., West Bend, WI 53095.