Arlene Dolores (Kliewer) Nikkel, age 79, of Bakersfield, CA left her earthly family on Mother's Day and went to be with her Mother and Heavenly Father on Sunday . Arlene Kliewer was born in Bakersfield on October 14, 1933. She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1951 and continued on to study at Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno. Arlene was married to Norman Lewis Nikkel on December 16 1952; they were married 60 years. Arlene worked as a Head Cook at Blair Learning Center for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools for 26 years, often cooking meals for over 4500 students. She enjoyed arts and crafts, knitting and crocheting. She was also actively involved in the Rosedale Bible Church choir, playing piano and organ and singing in a women's trio. Arlene is survived by her devoted husband Norman, three children, son Cary and wife Roxanne Nikkel, daughters Connie and husband Daryl Thiesen, Colleen and husband Jim Kiger and ten grandchildren, Jamie, Nicole (husband Rome), Brittany, Hillary (husband Marlin), Haley, Michelle, Michael (wife Kimberly), Tyler, Nathaniel and Matthew and great grandchildren Luke and Savannah and her brother James Kliewer and sister Doris Nikkel. Arlene is preceded in death by her parents Aaron and Flora Kliewer, brothers Rueben and Aaron Kliewer and sister Eleanor Unruh. A viewing will be held May 15 at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter from 4-7 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 16 at Shafter Cemetery and memorial service at 11 a.m. at Rosedale Bible Church. The family wishes to thank Hoffman Hospice for their caring support.