Arleene Hovde, 91, Fertile, Mn, died on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home, Crookston, MN.
Heaven was full of laughter and smiles as it welcomed Arleene Hovde home. Always the jokester, Arleene made people happy even on the gloomiest day. Her family, friends, and caregivers never knew what was in store for them with Arleene's antics, but they always knew there would be good-hearted laughter and great fun involved. Arleene was blind the last two years of her life, but that didn't stop her from throwing on an old hat and crazy pair of eyeglasses claiming they, "helped her see better." Of course the unsuspecting never realized she was, "blind as a bat, but sharp as a tack," and that was just how she liked it.
Arleene was 91 years young when she passed away on September 22 at Villa St. Vincent, in Crookston, MN where she had taken up residency for two years. Arleene often employed her tablemates, Sister Regina, Agnes, and Leah, to be her partners in crime and was always dreaming up some scheme to make them, the other residents, and staff smile. She died doing what she liked best, joking with two of her favorite nurses: Heidi and Denise. Of course all her other caregivers were very special to her and she could tell each one by their voice. She made it a point to know each name and something about each person. She truly enjoyed her "new home" at the Villa and the wonderful care she received there.
Arleene was born to Lillie and Ole Larson on February 21, 1919. She was raised in East Grand Forks, MN, where she met a handsome man who came right from Norway, Ole Hovde. They were married on July 7, 1937 and moved to Fertile, MN in 1948 where they made their home until their deaths.
Arleene spent 34 years helping others keep their house in tip-top shape by cleaning, organizing, and helping locate their lost items or treasures. Many times she would get a call asking, "Arleene, do you remember where I put my ???" Within seconds the caller was directed to the exact spot to retrieve the elusive item.
She "retired" in 1997, at the age of 78, from Polk Country Nursing where she worked for 26 years as a home health aide. Arleene didn't just assist her friends (every person she helped always was more of a friend in need, not a client), she became the person's sounding board, caterer, and spirit lifter with her quick wit and humor.
Arleene's flower gardens were a source of pride and joy. She was forever trying a new flower or plant to add to her landscape. Her only nemesis were pesky gophers that she tried everything from traps to bubble gum to keep at bay. Many grandchildren became spotters for those nasty critters home so the great gopher catcher, their Grandma, could invade the gophers premises and do away with the trouble makers, often by unconventional means.
A wonderful seamstress, Arleene aided many with clothes repair. She also was excellent at crocheting, knitting, and in her blind years "read" every book on tape available. Her homemade baked goods were a treat for everyone she knew. It was not uncommon for Arleene to get up at 4:00 a.m. to get dough rising for homemade buns, caramel rolls, or other pastries which she would give away to her family and friends. It always brought a smile to her face when she tapped at someone's door with a pan of fresh, warm, caramel rolls for their breakfast. She never asked for anything in return, she just enjoyed giving what she could to brighten someone's day.
Many stories will flow as her family and friends share memories of Arleene at the service Sunday, September 26 at the Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, MN 2-4 p.m, prayer service 3:30 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 27, at 11 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fertile.
Arleene is survived by her youngest sister, Aldyene (Ted) Gullikson, of Colorado. Also surviving are five incredible children (we all know she would say that): Barb (Cliff) Renna, Minneapolis; Karen (Alden) Webster, Osseo; Cathy (Keith) Bolstad, Fertile; Jonny (Darlene) Hovde, Fertile; and Lana Christensen, Fergus Falls. Fourteen fantastic grandchildren, twenty-five super great grandchildren, and two wonderful great-great grandchildren also survive this dynamic lady. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, her parents, two brothers and one sister.
Please remember Arleene by carrying a happy song in your heart and a smile on your face and the world will be a better place.
Arleene Hovde, 91, Fertile, Mn, died on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home, Crookston, MN.

Funeral services will be on Monday, September 27, 2010, at 11 am in the Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 26, 2010, from 2-4 pm with a prayer service at 3:30 pm in the Erikson-Vik funeral home, Fertile, MN.

Burial will be in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.