Arlene M. (Elsom) Lynner (February 24, 1925 ~ May 8, 2012) Arlene Lynner was born in Veblen, South Dakota, on February 24, 1925, to parents Kathryn (Luikens) and Emerald Elsom. Growing up in Britton, South Dakota, she was baptized and confirmed at United Methodist Church. She graduated from Britton High School in 1943. Following graduation, Arlene attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and then worked at the University of Minnesota. She later moved to Billings, Montana, where she worked as a bank teller. Arlene then enrolled as a student at South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, to study Home Economics. While attending an all school picnic, she met a fellow student named James Lynner who offered Arlene and her girlfriends a ride back to their dorm. When James returned to Clarkfield to farm, the long distance courtship continued. James and Arlene were married on May 1, 1949, at the United Methodist church in Britton. To this union were born three sons: Jim, Paul and Steven. They lived on the Clarkfield Dairy Farm with James' father for ten years prior to his death in 1959. Arlene was always happy to provide a home for James and his widowed father. Arlene was involved in Sewing Club, Garden Club, 4-H Leader, Sons of Norway and Clarkfield Lutheran Church Women. She enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her family. She enjoyed baking buns, and making lefse with James. Her pastimes include sewing and quilting with friends at church. She liked flower gardening and yard work (as long as the bugs weren't out). You could often find her reading the daily newspaper and magazines. She looked forward to helping with the annual Clarkfield Lutheran Harvest Festival attired in her Norwegian dress. James and Arlene enjoyed travels to Europe and to Norway visiting relatives. In 1980, they were part of a mission trip to Haiti. Arlene accompanied James to many agriculture conventions, Over 60 Band Parades and other events. Arlene will always be remembered for her quick wit. She enjoyed visiting with friends and always had stories to tell. She was extremely proud of her eight grandchildren and their activities and accomplishments. Her six great grandchildren were a joy to her as well. With her failing health, Arlene entered the Clarkfield Care Center in October 2011, where she passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at the age of 87 years, 2 months and 14 days. She is survived by her husband, James, of Clarkfield; her sons: James B. Lynner, Paul and Natalie Lynner, and Steve and Brenda Lynner, all of Clarkfield; and her eight grandchildren: Ranae (Josh) Carter and Kyra, Craig (Trista) Lynner, Brynn and Chloe, Christa (Tom) Sebo and Lauren, Jenna Lynner, Emmy (Jake) Bollman and Thatcher, Michael (Kate) Lynner, Eric (Kaitlynn) Lynner and Zoey and Matthew Lynner; brother, George (Denise) Elsom of Rapid City, South Dakota, and their daughters Jane Brady and Toni Woolever. Blessed be her memory. In Loving Memory of Arlene Lynner Visitation Friday, May 18, 2012 ~ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Saturday, May 19, 2012 ~ 11:00 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating Pastor Christopher R. Zuraff Organist, Charlann Anspach Congregational Hymns "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling" "In the Garden" "On Eagles Wings" Honorary Casket Bearers (Great Grandchildren) Brynn Lynner ~ Kyra Carter ~ Chloe Lynner Zoey Lynner ~ Lauren Sebo ~ Thatcher Bollman Casket Bearers (Grandchildren) Christa Sebo ~ Jenna Lynner Emmy Bollman ~ Ranae Carter Craig Lynner ~ Michael Lynner Eric Lynner ~ Matthew Lynner Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota