Clarice Ann (Woods) Arnell

March 21, 1933 – March 6, 2024

Born March 21, 1933 in the early Spring at her family home in New Caspian, Michigan she is now free of her earthly pain. A life-long member of the First Lutheran Church in Iron River, she also served on the church Council. She also attended services at Grace Lutheran in Mountain Home, Idaho where she wintered with her family.

Long before West Iron County Schools merged, she graduated from Stambaugh High School. Continuing her education at what was colloquially known as Michigan Teachers College (NMU), earned a Baccalaureate in education. Continuing her studies at the University of Michigan, she topped it off with a Master’s degree.

Education was her passion. Returning to the Iron River area in 1963, she entered the classroom to teach countless students. Preferring to teach the 3rd grade and returning as a Substitute for many years after retirement, she experienced the privilege of instilling her wisdom in the grandchildren of her original students.

Clarice spent unnumbered hours flying of the U.P. wilderness with her best friend pilot Bob Loo performing wildlife surveys. After retirement she devoted time volunteering at the Iron County Museum. She enjoyed ocean cruises and would pack up and go anywhere with friends at a moment’s notice. Active until the end, she went to the gym regularly and benefitted from an excellent personal trainer that contributed immeasurably to her longevity. Always “styling” she truly enjoyed regular visits with her hairdresser and manicurist. Clarice was particularly fond of trips to Jackpot, Nevada to see old-time country music stars perform, and maybe play a few slots.

She is preceded in death by her son Larrie Nelund (age 63) who called her like clockwork every Sunday and brother Howard Woods of Lake Geneva, WI.

She is survived by her son Robert Nelund and wife Elizabeth (Vassar) Nelund, their daughter Kimberly (Nelund) Chambers, grandson Nate Nelund, and great-grandsons Eli and Peyton Chambers.

Services and the interment of her ashes will take place in the Iron River, Michigan area in mid-June.