Wendy Jeanne Arko

Wendelyn Jeanne Manley Arko was born in Southern California on October 10, 1950, and died unexpectedly in her home on June 30, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Jeanne Manley; father and mother-in-law John and Betty Arko; her brother Bill; and her sister-in-law Laurie Arko Dredla.

Wendy married Steve Arko in 1970. They were young and excited to build a life for themselves. Steve joined the Air Force after college, and they started their journey. They started their family in Indiana with two children, Carisa and Adam. They then were transferred to Merced California where they lived 2 hours from their honeymoon spot, Yosemite. That became a favorite vacation spot where the kids learned what camping was all about.

The next move to Nebraska would become her final move. They added another child, Jenna, and the family started to grow. Carisa married Matt Dillon, and Adam married Mary Classen. Throughout the 40+ years in Papillion, Nebraska all of the “clan” has remained nearby.

Road trips have been her preferred method of vacationing. Trips up and down the coast of California and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains when we visited family in Lodi were some of her favorite trips. She especially enjoyed the unexpected stops on the way to the destination where we always found special places and restaurants to enjoy.

She also found great road trips back home in Nebraska, although the destinations were a little farther. We had multiple trips to the Black Hills, and the mountains of Colorado. She started an effort to visit the presidential libraries, which took us to Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Georgia, and a great trip through Michigan to visit three of the great lakes including a bucket list stop at Mackinaw Island, and Sault Ste Marie to see the  locks. As usual, the many stops along the way provided favorite, unexpected views of the world.

Wendy became the loving leader of the ever-growing family, and soon Sunday dinners became a favorite for everyone. Wendy was happiest as the seven grandchildren were added family. Zac Ausdemore-Dillon was first. He was followed by Lainey Arko; the triplets Paige, Kylan, and Brenden Dillon; Owen Arko; and final special addition, Lucy Dillon. The seven were the joy of her life. She found the true meaning of love as they all grew up so close to her.