Obituary for Arleen Juliette Swensen

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As a relative newcomer to Decorah, I didn't know Arleen in her prime, but I did have the privilege to bond intimately with her in the months before her death. I started visiting her as a member of the Parish Visitation Team at First Lutheran, but soon came to regard my visits not as a duty, but as a delight. Arleen was a woman of faith and yearned for conversation, prayer, and especially singing of the old hymns, even as she lay bedridden. She remained upbeat and positive and spoke her mind right to the end. Our final visit was the evening before her death, and she had a special alertness about her as she prayed out loud, expressed gratitude and friendship, and announced that prayer would help! I miss her immensely, but wouldn't wish her back. My sincere sympathy to all Arleen's family and friends. Love, Linda Christianson

I was quite young when I first met Ted and Arleen. It was shortly after they were married and in those day they had chivarees on the married couple. So they got married again at my aunt's home and being small I remember they gave her a bunch of carrots for a bouquet. They really enjoyed that! The later years I remember her as a vivacious, fun loving woman. She always had a smile on her face and a hearty laugh. May she finally be united with Ted and rest in peace. Linda3xxfz

Mark and I know that Arleen was an absolutely great neighbor at 705 Ridgewood Drive. Arleen was so good to our mom, Dorothy Worcester. Arleen always helped everyone. There were no strangers in her life. She will be truly missed, and her laugh was so special. Arleen absolutely adored Ted, and she loved her family. She will be remembered fondly.

Being the "step"mom to Pat, Debbie, and Gary we spent time with Arlene and Ted on many occasions. Arlene was always a gracious, kind and loving lady. She loved life. She accepted people. She will be truly missed by all that knew her. Now she is at peace after her struggle with cancer. God bless her and her family. Lue and Merle

Arlene, Ted and your entire family were a very large part of my life growing up in Decorah. Arlene was always positive and had a smile on her face, no matter what challenges she had. Her energy level always amazed me, even in her later years. I will always remember the many gatherings we shared and the warm feelings she always provided. She will be greatly missed. Love, Vicki Dahly Miller

Arleen was such a sweetie, & a real dynamo….she added sparkle to the room & of course was never seen without looking very her best – even recently when we saw her. She & Ted were good friends of my folks John & Verna, spending many fun times at our family home in Decorah (& at Palmer & Audrey’s too), lots of laughter and fellowship. She and Mother also shared a pew at First Lutheran on Sundays. My Mother was also with Arleen when she lost Ted – and so even after both my folks passed away Arleen was so kind to keep in touch with us to keep that connection going. She always made a big deal about our two kids and we looked forward to her bunad-wearing visits at Nordic Fest and plates of Norse goodies at Christmas and other get-togethers when we’d be in Decorah. We are so very sorry for your family’s loss and will keep you in our prayers – we'll always keep in mind the way Arleen touched so many lives.

We moved to Decorah in 2005 when I first met Arlene at Mary Circle and First Lutheran. She would often pour coffee for the funerals that our circle served--a gracious hostess and new everyone. When she was 90, Donna Rae Ibanez and I played golf with Arlene early on Tuesday mornings. What a great sense of humor and certainly a better golf than me. My sympathies to Arlene's family. Sincerely, Sandy Hoeg

Arleen was a wonderful and unusual woman...filled with energy and kindness. I have not spent much time in Decorah of late but while Arleen had a cell phone, I talked with her every day. I gave her a special cross necklace to wear at all times. I am sure it was with her when she passed. She was a wonderful Granny to my sons. They are very sad to lose her as well. Heaven won't be the same, Arleen, now that you are there ! love, Ruthie, Dave & Joel

Arleen will long live in my memory. I always enjoyed the times when we were teamed-up for Best Shot events at Oneota Golf and Country Club. I hope I will still be swinging a club as long as she did.

My Aunt Ruth had passed away when I was born. Arleen was always my aunt even though she technically was not. I remember the visits to their home on Terrace St. There were these closets on the second floor that were great club houses for the kids. More than once we were there for New Years Day dinner. We could watch the games on a color television. I never saw Arleen sad, but I am sure she had those moments. She was always so cheerful. I suppose now First Lutheran Church will have to close its doors. There will be no Arleen to volunteer to help. She was always involved with some volunteer action. Many women owe there beauty to her countless hours in her salon. Beauty in Decorah has taken a step backward because Arleen will no longer be there to grace it with her presence. Heaven is shining a little brighter tonight. Arleen is home. Gary and Patsy Linnevold

Arlene and Ted were our neighbors when we were first married and we all lived on Linn Street in Decorah. We could not have asked for better neighbors! Whether is was to stop up for a "short one" or to enjoy whatever delicious homemade goodie Arlene had whipped up that day or having Ted take care of a mouse in the laundry room - they were great to be around. Arlene was and continued to be a friend to everyone. We extend our sympathy to you all on her passing. Bev and Paul