Arleen Marie Ensor

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we share the life of our beloved Arleen Marie
Ensor, who passed away on March 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. A celebration of
life service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher
Funeral Home in Knoxville. Family will visit with friends following the service over cake
and ice cream.
Arleen was born on October 9, 1952, near Waukon, Iowa, to Walter “Wally” and Sarah
“Sadie” Joy Troendle. She grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for
simple, meaningful living, learning the value of hard work, something she carried with
her throughout her life. She graduated from Waukon High School in 1970, ready to
begin a life centered around family, service, and connection.
On April Fool’s Day in 1972, Arleen met Dwight—an origin story she never tired of
telling, especially with a playful smile. That day marked the beginning of a lifetime filled
with love, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief. They were married on August
18, 1973.
Arleen’s life was rooted in caring for others. She began working at the Knoxville Area
Community Hospital in 1970, dedicating over four decades to the people of her
community. Even after retiring in 2012, Arleen wasn’t ready to step away from the place
she loved. She continued working in the hospital gift shop until 2026, greeting friends
and visitors with her familiar warmth and kindness.
Alongside her work, Arleen and her family operated a bed and breakfast for 20 years,
welcoming guests with open arms. Whether it was a warm meal, a cozy place to rest, or
a thoughtful conversation, she made everyone feel at home. She had a natural gift for
hospitality, always making sure there were treats ready—especially for her
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and any guest lucky enough to walk through her
door.
Arleen found joy in the everyday moments of life. Family meals were her favorite, and
she cherished the tradition of sitting down together each night around the table. Her
kitchen was a place of love, laughter, and incredible food. She loved to cook and took
great pride in caring for her family in that way. Arleen had a wonderful sense of humor,
and she delighted in pranking her son, Dan each April 1st .
She also had a love for gardening, spending countless hours nurturing beauty in the
soil. She was a devoted member of the Knoxville Garden Club and volunteered at the
Bessie Spaur Memorial Butterfly Garden at the hospital, where her gentle hands and
caring spirit helped create a place of peace for others.
Arleen had a curious spirit and a love for adventure. She enjoyed traveling, especially
trips to England and Italy with friends—experiences she treasured and often shared
through stories. When she wasn’t traveling, she could often be found with a good book
in hand, enjoying quiet moments of reflection.
She brought joy into every room she entered—whether through her laughter, her playful
nature, or her well-known habit of “adjusting” the rules during a card game if things
weren’t going her way. That lighthearted spirit made time with her unforgettable.
Above all else, Arleen loved her family. She poured her heart into every moment spent
with them—through meals, traditions, laughter, and unconditional love. She was the
kind of person who made everyone feel seen, cared for, and important.
Arleen is survived by her loving husband, Dwight Ensor; her children: Dan (Tonya)
Ensor, Jeremiah (Jodi) Ensor, and Ben (Katy Stovall) Ensor; her grandchildren: Jacob
(Miranda Hoffland) Ensor, Samantha (Logan) Nicol, Emily (Alex) Adams, Elle (Brody)
Stephens, Alex Fazio, Braelyn Ensor, Rollie Ensor, and Mabel Ensor; and her great-
grandchildren: Sora, Henry, Charlotte, Ava, Ivy, Nora, with two more on the way. She is
also survived by her siblings: Dave (Carol) Troendle, Joy (Bob Vos) Hol, and Sue
(Daryl) Irving.
Arleen’s life was one of service, warmth, and deep love. The legacy she leaves behind
lives on in the family she cherished, the community she served, and the countless lives
she touched with her kindness.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Graveside services will be held at
a later date, possibly a late May or early June timeframe. Memorial contributions can
be sent to the Hospice of Pella, 505 Union St, Pella, IA 50219.