Arlene Delores Bacon, age 83, of Brownsville, Minn., formerly of Hesper, Iowa, died Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse, Wis.
Arlene was born December 1, 1933 in Hesper, Iowa, to Delvin and Cora (Rollie) Soberg. She attended rural schools and finished her grade school years in the public school in the village of Hesper. She graduated from the Mabel High School in 1952, attended Winona State College, and was married in 1954 to Robert Bacon. The Rev. Obed Nesheim was the pastor and this was his second marriage to perform since his arrival at the parish. Two daughters were born to this union, Rebecca Ann and Joan Roberta.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Mabel, Minn., for many years, attaining Life Membership for 50-plus years, served as president, secretary, historian, and on various other committees. Through the years she worked for Odell Lee during the tax season, Amdahl Chevrolet for 15 years, and after moving to Brownsville, Minn., worked at St. Rose Convent for a number of years. Many hours were spent at Gundersen Lutheran doing volunteer work. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Brownsville and the Zion Evangelical Church. Arlene enjoyed sewing and crafts, going to auctions and flea markets, and refinishing old trunks.
Arlene is survived by her husband Robert, a daughter, Rebecca Ann; one granddaughter, Amanda Brietta; and cousins. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Morrall in 2005; her parents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was a life member of Hesper Lutheran Church, as were her parents and maternal and paternal grandparents. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at the Hesper Lutheran Church, Hesper, Iowa, with the Rev. Matt Larson officiating. Burial will be in the Hesper Lutheran cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the Hesper Lutheran Church or the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery.