Arlene N. Wells

It is with sad hearts we share the news of the passing of our wonderful Mother, Sister, Aunt, Sister In-Law and Friend. Arlene Wells, 77, Elk River Minnesota. Mom succumbed to the injuries related to her most recent fall and health issues associated with Dementia on March 29, 2025.

Mom was born in Willmar, MN and grew up in Kandiyohi, MN. She is the youngest of three children born to Willard and Florence McClain. She met her future husband while visiting her sister, Inez, in Brooklyn Park and after a short courtship they married in September of 1968. They were the proud parents of Audra Wells (Elk River MN) and Sherman Wells (Otsego,MN)

Mom had many cherished memories of childhood which she shared through her stories. She was the youngest child to older parents which afforded her extra loving attention. Some of the fond memories she shared included attending a one room school house until 8th grade, winning the top award for her pie at the county fair allowing her to participate in the MN State Fair competition, being chased by roosters, participating in the drama club and playing a nun in her favorite musical The Sound of Music A life lesson was learned when she didn’t set the parking brake and the car to rolled down the hill into the woods.

Mom graduated from Willmar High School in 1965 then attended Willmar Technical College (currently Ridgewater College) earning a degree in administrative assistant/bookkeeping. She had initially wanted to pursue a career as a flight attendant, but at 5’ 9” exceeded the airline industry’s height requirements at the time.. Her aunt wanted her to be a teacher, but it wasn’t on her radar.

Mom’s first job took her to Minneapolis working in the bookkeeping department of Land O’ Lakes. She enjoyed playing on the company softball team. Mom shared an apartment with other women until she married.. She spoke highly of her landlords, Larry and Connie Blunk.

Mom began volunteering at Central Lutheran Church in 1978 leading to a paid position that morphed into many different roles. Her career as an administrative assistant/clerk brought her much joy, pride, and fulfillment. If you needed anything church related Mom was known as the person to call anytime day or night. Many people have shared how kind she was making them feel welcomed into the community. Leaving this job was one of the most difficult things she ever had to do. It cut to the core of her being, Her family could see the damage to her soul when she “made” this decision. Mom moved forward and took a job fitting her extrovert personality working in the Deli of Cub. People who knew her from the community were glad to be greeted by her as they passed by or had Deli needs.

Mom had the courage to pursue numerous interests, especially involving volunteer work and church activities. These opportunities led to meeting new people and making lifelong friendships. She was a member of the Sarah’s Circle bible study group, the church choir, and The CLC Women. Mom taught Sunday School and Confirmation which she may have regretted when I and her bonus daughter were assigned to her class. She was a co-leader for the Girl Scout troop, volunteered at CAER, and supported Sherman in the Special Olympics. Mom was an Uber driver before it was even a concept, providing many free rides. Other hobbies she enjoyed during her “free time” included needlepoint, cross stitch, paint by number, solitaire games, crossword puzzles, fabric painting, sewing (usually to step in when my project superseded my patience), canning, cake decorating (oh the cakes she and Dad made). Mom would come up with the idea and Dad would figure out how to design it. They also partnered in baking Christmas cookies. She enjoyed going for a walk or bike ride.

Mom was devoted to the well being of her Sherman. She facilitated and personally supported his involvement in numerous activities and opportunities. When Sherman experienced serious bumps in the road related to his health she and Dad divided and conquered. Mom managed the needs of Sherman and Dad kept an eye on me “the independent speedy one” as she referred to me. Mom was very proud of Sherman’s achievements and encouraged him to build skills and grow in his independence. She continued to be supportive when he transitioned to a then adult foster care.

My Mom and I had our “things” too. Our annual events included the Little Falls and Canterbury Craft sales, really any craft sale. Our Christmas shopping date involved lunch and shopping which generally merged into dinner. We loved the Holidazzle and 8th floor Daytons/Macy’s. She had no problem fitting in with my friends and they soon became her friends as well. Mom did not always voice her emotions when it came to my achievements but I know she was proud because mutual acquaintances shared her positive comments. Luckily, this changed as our relationship evolved after she moved to senior independent living. She loved taking care of my furbaby, Izzy, frequently spoiling her with a McDonalds Happy Meal (said with an eye roll).

My parent’s mantra was “we can do this, it will work out” which they did as they faced life challenges together. They continued to talk daily even as their health needs lead them to different settings. They cared for each other in their own way until “death do us part.”

Mom has been reunited with our Dad, parents Willard and Florence McClain, parents in-laws Ayles and Iva Wells, all of Gerald’s siblings, brother in law, Rudy Anderson, nephew Barry Anderson, Gerald’s many nieces and nephews and grand puppy, Izzy.

Mom is survived by daughter Audra, son Sherman, sister Inez Anderson, brother Roy and his wife Bernice McClain, many nieces and nephews, friends old and new, and current grand puppy, Finley

Celebration of Life will be May 3, 2025 with a graveside service for family and friends. Service begins at 1:00 pm at Meadowvale Cemetery, 22898 Co Rd 32, Elk River, MN 55330. Luncheon to follow the service at Elk River Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. 729 Main Street NW, Elk River MN. next to Dare’s Funeral Services. Memorials to the family.

Her children and friends would like to extend gratitude to the following people and organizations:

● To MN Health Fairview, Dr. Tori Christiaansen and Jacy Stone, APRN, CNP and Princeton MN Health ER who saw mom many many times.

● To Trinity Home Health and Hospice for their care and the support they provided Mom in the last few months and the guidance to me in the last week of her life.

● To Dare’s Funeral Services for the support and guidance during this difficult time.

● To Elk River Lutheran Church for welcoming the family with the use of the facility.

● To My Dear Friends (too many to list) who stepped up and helped me move Mom multiple times in the last year and have provided me the emotional and spiritual support to stay standing during this really difficult journey.

● And last but not least To the multiple departments of St. Cloud CentraCare Hospital for their compassionate and dignified care when Mom entered the last stages of life. Their gentle support to our mom allowed her to pass gently and peacefully.