Arlene Marie Rhode

My sympathy to Arlene\’s family, What a dynamo she was! My fondest memory of her was when she and Joni went on the pilgrimige to Italy, as I did with my best friend. The trip was awe inspiring, and each day, after viewing the beautiful churches. eating, and shopping, we would head to our hotel, freshen up, and head down to the \”happy hour\” for a drink or two, and a little to eat, and then retire to our rooms for another day of touring.l
Rest in peace, my friend. I will miss our weekly phone chats. You lived a good life.
Until we meet again.
Bette Bogdanocich

Arlene and Elmer were lifelong friends of my family, after Arlene worked for my mom to get her cosmetology license. She had boundless energy then and for as long we I knew her. For me that was over 60 years ago. They were mentors and a positive influence for my whole family, but especially me in my younger years. Elmer gave me my first real (summer) job while in college. After college, their home in Pengilly was my home away from home as I traveled, working around northern MN. Arlene never turned down my requests to visit and as a young single guy just out of college who never turned down a free meal, I appreciated that! Later, my family and my sister’s family spent many fun times with them on Swan Lake on many occasions, summer and winter. They encouraged us to do things we might never have done ourselves, like tobogganing and showshoeing. When they moved to Sartell and after Elmer’s passing, we visited occasionally by phone or in person, but not enough. She was always busy selflessly caring for relatives or traveling, which she loved. I’m so glad I talked to her briefly by phone one last time on Monday, trying to arrange a visit.
Arlene, we loved you so much and you will always be with us in spirit. Love, Dennis, Joan, and Cara Jacobson

Arlene, spending time with you was one of life’s pure joys! I will miss you deeply. You and Elmer were family to us. When you did your apprenticeship working for my mom to obtain your cosmetology license, you often visited and had dinner at our home. I was just a little girl when you first introduced me to Elmer. I asked you if he was your “dad!” That became the family’s favorite joke! 🤗 You lived life large and taught us well. Your faith was strong and you were the perfect role model for many! The memories we created will live in our hearts forever and I will always cherish them. A favorite memory is when you frosted a pillow sponge for my husband, Peter’s birthday and we laughed hysterically watching him try and cut it! I couldn’t wait to bring Lesley up to your place in Pengilly! You were so kind and loving and helped her learn to walk on top of your feet with that little harness. I could go on and on! My mom and dad loved you dearly. You were one of my mom’s closest friends! You styled lots of people’s hair together! You will be forever missed! I take comfort in knowing you are with Elmer again though. I am forever grateful for the hour and a half long chat we had when you called me on my wedding anniversary, April 12. Lots of belly laughs in that conversation!
Love you so much! 🥰
Claudia, Peter and Lesley Hennen

Thankful for our many years of friendship! you were a great sister-in-law as well as a good friend! Will miss you!

Dearest Aunt Arlene,
You were one of a kind with your energetic, bubbly personality! I will embrace our casino trips forever Las Vegas and Laughlin. Sooo thankful I got to go with you Memorial weekend to Arizona for a family wedding! You are now with your beloved Elmer, your Daddy (what you called him) and Mom, Sister and brothers, as you said your bestie Joni and other loved ones! You lived a great life! RIP Arlene love you. 😘

Dear Aunt Arlene-
Thank you for the love and support that you have shared with me throughout the years. Our hours and hours of long-distance conversations encouraged me in all aspects of my life, as a wife, mother, sister and daughter. You taught me so many things about how a person can stay true to their values…. while keeping a sense of humor and a forgiving spirit. I miss you already. I love you so much and I hope that I can honor your legacy by making those around me feel as special as you made all of us feel. Thanks you also for sharing your cooking, sewing and embroidery talents with Allie and Brooke! We have such fond memories of our visits with you. The only sunny part of your trip to heaven is that you can finally be reunited with our sweet, kind Uncle Elmer.❤️

We are so thankful we were able to spend time with Arlene recently. She lived her life fully and spread her energy to all of us around her through her smiles and bubbly personality. We will miss you Arlene.