Arleen Amundson, age 101, passed away in Chatfield on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Arleen S. Amundson was born on June 13, 1924, in Lanesboro, Minn. She was the daughter of H. Oscar and Clara (Larson). She graduated from Preston High School in 1942. In 1943, she was united in marriage to Robert W. Amundson at Union Prairie Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. The couple made their home in Chatfield and raised two daughters. It was after the daughters left for college that she decided to broaden her experience. She began at Camera Art in Lewiston and ultimately found her niche at the Root River State Bank and retired as a vice president.
Arleen found joy in nature. She loved growing flowers. For years, she maintained large gardens and, at one point, cared for over 70 orchids in her spa room. She was also passionate about songbirds and committed much time to learning about and caring for them. She was also an avid reader. Baking (especially Scandinavian) was a passion. She loved her family and devoted her life to them. She always found great joy welcoming friends into her home.
She is survived by her daughters Kathryn Amundson, Ph.D. of Wabasha and Kari Messner, of Tennessee, who sadly lost her beloved husband, Michael Messner in August 2025. Arleen is further survived by her brother Norrin Storelee, of Preston.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband (deceased August 4, 2017).
A celebration of Arleen’s life will be held at Chatfield Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m., with Paul Hauschild officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Hoff Funeral Home of Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left for the family at www.hofffuneral.com.
Memorials in Arleen’s name can be sent to Mayo Hospice and are greatly appreciated by her family.
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