Arlene Elgin

The funeral service for Arlene Elgin of Bertha will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday May 5, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bertha. Visitation with family and friends will be held at the church on Thursday from Noon until the time of the service. Arlene, age 85, passed away on May 1, 2022, in Staples, MN, with compassionate care by Knute Nelson Hospice staff. Arlene was born to Herman and Hilma (Hanson) Raaum on May 22, 1936, near Farwell, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Lowry. She attended grade school in Farwell and high school in Glenwood. After school she went to live with her aunt in Graceville, where she met the love of her life, Lenard Leroy Elgin. They were married on May 9, 1953. Arlene worked as a waitress while her husband served in the US Army. When Lenard returned home they worked in the cities for 15 years. It was then they started their farm near Motley. The family later moved and farmed near Bertha. Arlene was the proud mother of five healthy children and one that was welcomed in heaven shortly after his birth. Arlene enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren when needed and loved her entire family dearly. Favorite pastimes included taking care of her vegetable and flower gardens, canning, and baking. Cakes were her specialty. She also sewed quilts and lap quilts. Arlene actively enjoyed her membership in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Over the years she served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Released Time instructor, and custodian for 27 years. Preceding Arlene in death were her loving husband, Lenard; infant son; grandson, Ross Elgin; sisters: Hazel, Rose, Ruth; parents, Herman and Hilma; brother: Milo; and several brothers-in-law. Loving memories will remain with Arlene’s children: Lloyd (Jolayne), Brian (Sandra), Ronald (Tammy), Melissa (Jim) Hill and Leland; 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; sisters: Alice, Adeline, Doris, and Betty; along with brother-in-law, Darrel. Honorary pallbearers will be Taylor Elgin, Jacob Hill and Dale Howe. Serving as pallbearers will be Dustin, Gavin, Blake, Jason, Neil, Jacob and Aaron Elgin. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Bertha, MN.

Arlene Elgin

May 22, 1936 - May 1, 2022