Betty J. Arnold
Betty J. Arnold
ESCANABA – Betty J. Arnold, age 94, of Escanaba passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. She was born on December 5, 1931, in Milwaukee, WI and was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Puhek. In 1948 Betty graduated, from the 8th grade, from Dover Street School in Milwaukee, WI. That was the extent of her schooling because of extenuating family matters.
Betty married Wesley Bajanen on January 17, 1948 in Milwaukee, WI and they welcomed three children Susan, Randall and Laura. Wesley passed away in 1969 and Betty moved to Escanaba in 1971. On June 23, 1973, Betty married James Hughes Sr. and she became a member of a very large family and opening her heart to eight step children. Jim, Jr, Tom, Bill, Dan, Paul, Greg, Mary and Susie. In 1980 Betty graduated from Escanaba Adult Area High School at the age of 49. After 16 years of marriage to Jim, he passed away in 1989. In 2002 Betty met fellow church member William Arnold. They married on April 24, 2004. They were blessed with 11 years of a late life marriage ending when William passed away on May 7, 2015.
Betty enjoyed her time working at the Morrison Shop for 20 years retiring in 1998. She was a very loving person and enjoyed her time with family and friends. Betty was a very faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wells.
Betty is survived by her daughter Susan (Norm Peterson) Carlson, Daughter in law Tamara Bajenen; son-in-law Hal Blazer; foster son James (Fran) Reynolds; foster daughter Jewel Hall; grandchildren Michael (Chris) Bajanen, Stacy (Brad) Reed, Chad (Cathy) Carlson, and Karie Huskey; Great grandchildren, Jane & Claire Reed, Cailey and Caleb Carlson, Cassadra Huskey, Marissa and Karlena Onate; great great grandchildren Willow, Liam and Kendrick; and many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends.
In addition to her parents and husbands she was preceded in death by her son Randall Bajanen; daughter Laura Jo Blazer: sister June Riley; son-in-law Thomas Carlson; grandson Mason Bajanen; great granddaughter, Bella C.C. Bajanen and step son, Dan Hughes.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wells. Funeral services celebrating the life of Betty J. Arnold will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday at the Our Savior Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Kelto officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the South Ford River Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Arnold family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
