Arlene Biba

Madison - Arlene Catherine (Dowling) Biba, age 101, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Complete Care at Maple Grove in Madison, WI. She was born on June 12, 1924 in Boscobel, WI, the daughter of Eldon and Lila (Mitchell) Dowling. She attended Boscobel High school and graduated in 1942. Arlene moved to Madison and, a year later, married Joe Biba on February 5, 1945 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Joe and Arlene were devoted and happily married for 72 years when Joe passed away in 2017. Arlene retired from Bank One in 1989.

Arlene enjoyed dancing to live music, playing euchre and bingo, roadtrips with family and friends, and creating wonderful memories. She was witty and fun with a laugh and a smile that was contagious. Arlene and Joe had a large circle of friends that they kept in touch with their entire lives.

As we grow old, we realize that life isn't about how fast we ran or how high we climbed... it's about the love we gave, the kindness we shared and the moments that made our journey meaningful.

Arlene is survived by her daughters, Donna (Paul) Werth and Barbara (Rich) Hurley; grandchildren, Michael (Angie) Werth, Sarah (Luke) Socks, Dawn and Stacy Biba; great-grandchildren, Lauren (Bret) Paulson, Olivia (Alex Riemer) Werth, and John Varnes; former daughters-in-law, Deb Biba and Mary Dailey; and many other dear relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; sons, Ken and Dale Biba; son-in-law, Allen Hale; granddaughter, Aimee Biba; great-granddaughter, McKenzie; brother, Floyd Dowling and his wife, Betty; and nephews, Bob and Kenny Dowling.

A funeral service will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. A special thanks to SSM Health Hospice Complete Care for the loving care provided to Arlene and her family.

To view her obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257