Arlene O. Ortloff, 87, of Crookston, MN, passed away in her home early Friday morning, February 11, 2022, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Arlene was born on April 21, 1934, on her parents’ farm near Beltrami, MN, the daughter of Oscar Helmer and Anna Mancena (Anderson) Johnson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, attended a nearby country school, and graduated from high school in 1952. Arlene was united in marriage to Orville Henry Ortloff in Beltrami on September 30, 1954. Since September 30th was Orville’s birthday, marrying Arlene on that date was the best birthday present he ever received. Together, they were blessed by the births of children, Lisa and Reed, while giving an infant son to God’s care to be their angel in heaven. Arlene and Orville made their home in Crookston.
Arlene first worked as a secretary before becoming a dental assistant for Dr. Frank Jung. Following the birth of daughter, Lisa, she decided to stay at home for a few years. Arlene would later begin employment with the Riverview Hospital, becoming the first person to warmly greet people as they approached her receptionist desk upon entering the Hospital. She was also the friendly voice they heard when calling the Hospital as she also took care of the switchboard.
Arlene loved animals including her pets who over the years became part of the family. During the final days of her illness, she enjoyed gazing out her window at the birds, squirrels, and rabbits who all seemed to feel welcome on her back deck.
Arlene loved her family dearly and loved her Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart. As a faithful and devoted member of the Assembly of God Church, she nourished her soul with the words of her Savior. Arlene was truly a humble and gentle woman with a forgiving and grateful heart.
Arlene will be very lovingly missed and forever remembered by her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Will Meine of Crookston; 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren: Angelica (Ted)Shanley and their children: Jocelyn Midboe, and Maximus and Joseph Shanley, Katrina Oswald and her children, Olivia and Haleena Oswald, David Meine and his children, Emmalynn and Declan Meine, and Dominic Meine. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orville; a son, Reed, and an infant son; her parents, Oscar and Anna Johnson; and sister, Eleanor Qualley, who passed away 2 days earlier on February 9th.
The funeral service for Arlene will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, February 20, 2022, in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home with Bill Humiston, Spiritual Care Coordinator for the Benedictine Living Community Crookston, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. To view the funeral on live stream go to Arlene’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and click on the prompt to view. Interment will take place at the Fairview Cemetery, Beltrami, MN, in the spring.
Messages of condolence to the family may be conveyed at www.stenshoelhouske.com
