Arlene Joanne Larson

Arlene Voldahl-Larson, 92 of Mankato died on Friday, October 10, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October15 at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Mankato. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church. Burial will be at a later date at Emerald Cemetery, rural Frost, MN.

Born on September 24, 1933 to Alfred and Gerry Voldahl, Arlene was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Frost, MN. She graduated from Frost High School in 1951, and attended Luther College, graduating in 1956 with a teaching degree. She taught elementary school for 4 years in town. She married Larry Larson in 1956, and they headed to Anchorage, AK, where Larry was stationed for 14 months. Arlene taught 3rd grade on the Army base. At the conclusion of that tour, they moved to the Minneapolis area. They stayed there for 19 years to be near Larry’s work. They later moved to smaller towns in Minnesota. Arlene and Larry were blessed with 8 healthy children. When most of the children had grown, Arlene went to nursing school and stayed in that occupation for 20 years. After her husband’s death, she decided to move to Mankato to enjoy the larger city.

Arlene enjoyed anything connected with music, singing, dancing, antiques, auctions, and church, but she especially enjoyed family gatherings most of all with her children, grandchildren, friends and relatives.

Left to remember Arlene are her children Lisa (Jeff) Busch, Joe, Andy, Paul, Malinda (Scott) Meyer, Daniel (Jenny Wasmund), Tricia (Jeff) Bushlack, 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, her sisters, and many extended family and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband Larry, her son Pete, her parents and parents-in-law, 2 brothers Orv and Jerry, one sister Norma, and many other relatives and in-laws.