Arlen Sillerud, age 80, of Ada, MN, died Sunday, June 21, 2015, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Arlen Roger Sillerud was born November 28, 1934, the son of Oliver and Clara (Pederson) Sillerud near Rothsay, MN. Arlen grew up in the Barnesville area where he attended school, graduating with the class of 1952. He went on to further his education attending Bible School and Seminary at Lutheran Brethren Schools in Fergus Falls, MN, before going to Moorhead State Teachers College where he received his teaching degree in Industrial Arts. Arlen continued his post-graduate studies in Bemidji State College, Moorhead State College and the University of Minnesota. Arlen began teaching in Ada High School in 1958 and retired in 1990, after 32 years.

On August 24, 1956, Arlen was united in marriage to Joanne Raknerud in the Rollag Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children. Arlen traveled with his family on summer vacations throughout the United States and Canada. His extended travels were: two trips to Norway, Hawaii, and Brazil, where he had speaking engagements at a mission in Vila Velha.

Arlen's favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, and gardening as well as being a hobby beekeeper for 56 years. He joined the Gideons International in 1971 and he and his family attended many State and International Conventions. Arlen's calling as a Christian was to share the Gospel of his Lord and Savior.

Arlen is survived by his wife of 58 years Joanne of Ada and their four children: Julie (Ken) Johnson of Winnsboro, TX, Ruth (Dennis) Wileman of Fargo, ND, Becky (Shannon) Erickson of Carrollton, TX, and Paul (Ellen) Sillerud of Pelican Rapids, MN; 15 grandchildren: Anna Boyd, Sedalia, MO, Kenneth Johnson, Jr. (Christal), Abilene, TX, Amanda Johnson, Mt. Vernon, TX, Peter Johnson, Dallas, TX, Joshua Johnson, Scroggins, TX, Nolan, Logan, Ryan, Ethan, and Adrian Wileman, Fargo, ND, Samuel White, Dallas, TX, Bethany White, Carrollton, TX, Kaitlin, Nathan, and Braden Sillerud, Pelican Rapids; two step-grandsons, Seth and Alec Erickson, Bloomington, MN; five great-grandchildren: Caleb, Joshua and Timothy Boyd and Gabe and Kenzie Johnson; a brother, Kenneth Sillerud, Fergus Falls, MN; sister-in-law, Verda Sillerud, Glasgow, MT; brother-in-law, John (Alice) Raknerud, Lake Park, MN; sisters-in-law, June (Arlan) Togstad, Park Rapids, MN, and Julie (Don) Krabbenhoft, Barnesville, MN, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Palmer, Glen and Carl; and three sisters: Orpha Larson, Ardis Halbakken and Lorraine Brusven.

Funeral Services were Friday, June 26, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada. Visitation was Thursday, June 25, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at SonRise Evangelical Free Church, Ada. Visitation will also was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Officiating was Pastor David Ingraham with Myrna Kiser serving as organist. Special music was provided by Pastor David Ingraham and Richard Tuttle. Pallbearers were all of Arlen's grandchildren.

Burial was in Little Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Barnesville on Friday at 2:00 p.m.