Arlene M. Syring

Arlene M. Syring died February 9th in the memory care unit of Walker Methodist Care Center Anoka.

She was preceded in death by husband Bob and brother Pete. April 14th would have been her 95th birthday.

Arlene grew up in a special neighborhood of Superior, WI called Billings Park. It was a lovely childhood and became the place she frequented most in her mind, as dementia took more and more reality from her.

A nurse through and through she worked for Guardian Angels Nursing Home as one of the first RNs hired in 1965. Twenty-four years later she would retire from her role there as director of nursing. Although dementia took many things from Arlene, she continued to “nurse” her fellow memory care residents and helped “administrate” right along with the staff.

The death of husband Bob in 1992 devastated the wonderful life they built together and left her a young widow at age 62.   With great strength and determination, Arlene carried on living a rich, full life on her own.  That life included travel far and wide. Days and days of sunshine on Casey Key Beach FL and long lingering sunsets at the cabin she and Bob built together in Crosslake, MN.  There likely was a glass of wine or brandy included in those wonderful days.

Arlene’s Scandinavian heritage was a major part of her life. With father from Sweden, and mother from Norway, she was fluent in a mixture of both languages.  Many hours were spent volunteering at the Swedish Institute. Sons of Norway filled her life with friends, tradition, and meatball dinners. During her years in Elk River, she helped with any and all causes. Gallons of blood were donated; Cub Scouts were taught. She was active with Central Lutheran Church and CAER food shelf.  Arlene spent many hours reading to residents at Guardian Angels adult day care.

Arlene was a treasured friend to many and the heartbeat of her family. She will be greatly missed by her children Jeff Syring and wife Judy, Julie Hudson and husband Bill, Jane Mohr and husband Jim. Grandchildren Ellen O’Brien, Anna Oldenburg, Joanna and Jack Mohr. Great grands she thought she would never live to see are Grady, Colin and Finn.

Sister-in-law Ruth Ackmann will miss her as will nephews and nieces, and close relatives in Norway.

Memorial service 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14th at Guardian Angels Care Center community room chapel in Elk River, MN.

Memorials preferred to Guardian Angels Senior Services

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