Arlene Joan Prestebak

Arlene Joan Prestebak, 93, of Goodridge, MN died on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Green Leaf Assisted Living, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Friday, August 22, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, Goodridge, MN.

Memorial Service will be at 10:30 AM Friday, August 22, 2025, Faith Lutheran Church, Goodridge, MN.

Burial will be at Goodridge Cemetery, Goodridge, MN.

Arlene Joan was welcomed by Evelyn (Peterson) and Wayne Johnson on a memorably hot day, July 20, 1932, near Middle River, Minnesota. Arlene walked miles to a country school where she read every book in their little library. She attended high school in Middle River and graduated in 1950. She played on a girls' basketball team and volunteered at the school library.

Arlene went on to teacher training in Warren, Minnesota and started her teaching career in Gatzke. One day, a friend arranged a blind date–on a school night–with a handsome guy with a new car. Just a few months later Robert (Bob) Prestebak surprised her with a ring on Valentine's Day.

Bob and Arlene were married on June 14, 1953 at Middle River Lutheran Church. They settled on the Prestebak farm near Goodridge, Minnesota. Bob had missed out on the draft when he was younger but the army sent him a notice when he was 29, with a wife and young son (Tim). What had seemed like a disaster turned out to be one of the best parts of their lives.

Arlene joined Bob at training in Missouri. When he was shipped out, she drove her young son across those hills to her parents in the Chicago area. As she had during her teacher training, Arlene took a job as a waitress. She often told the story the day a polite Black man came into the restaurant with a dollar in his hand asking for a cup of coffee. Her employers refused to let her serve him and she was angry and heartbroken. She ensured that her family treated everyone with kindness and respect. She encouraged curiosity and seeking new experiences. She modeled taking action in the face of unfairness.

When Bob, by the luck of the draw, went to France instead of Korea, Arlene joined him. A second son (J.O.) was born in Chinon. Arlene studied French and earned the friendship of the local people. She used some French phrases throughout her life.

When they returned to the farm, a daughter (Jane) was born. Together Bob and Arlene expanded the farm. When they needed a new house, Arlene took a job as a teacher in St. Hilaire, commuting over 40 miles a day, rain, shine, or snow.

Arlene and her family had always hoped that she would earn a regular college degree. In 1970, she earned her B.S degree from Bemidji State College. Arlene continued her work as a substitute teacher in Grygla for many years in all subject areas–including shop class.

In 1973, the family welcomed–the baby (Dena) who was raised by Arlene and Bob, grandparents and three siblings–the joy of their life and dedicated care-giver.

Although she worked as a teacher, most of her career was spent working on the Prestebak farm. She drove farm equipment, shoveled grain, and picked rocks. She enjoyed gardening and was an active member of the Deer Park Garden Club. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge and often taught bible school and Sunday school. She earned the trust of the children and teens, who visited the family farm for hayrides and fun.

In the early 80s, Bob and Arlene took up skiing and often worked at the Buena Vista Ski Area. She played many roles including cooking, handing out rental equipment, and teaching on the bunny hill. She claimed that she could teach anyone to ski in three runs or less. She skied until she was in her late 70s. While working at the ski area, Bob and Arlene developed a summer/winter home on Lake Julia. The "trailer" was a second home to many.

Arlene offered all comers hearty, homemade and home grown food. She served up heaps of the north country staples but also loved to experiment with unusual food–like eggplant ratatouille. When she was unable to cook for herself she did not complain about food received. She loved to say that she would eat anything that didn't crawl off her plate! :-)

Arlene was a speed reader who consumed books voraciously. One of her most important roles in the family was genealogist. She was a walking compendium of who was related to who in her vast family of Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish relations. She could trace the evolution of their families from the old country to the current generation. In her final years at the Greenleaf Assisted Living Center, she found many connections with people from all the local towns. They shared stories every day over food and coffee.

Arlene was preceded in death by husband of 72 years, Robert, her son J.O. (James Ole) Prestebak, her parents Wayne and Evelyn Johnson and brothers Gerald (LaRue) Johnson, Dennis (Cheri) Johnson, and Richard (Gail) Johnson, Also, her daughter-in-law, Michelle Prestebak.

Arlene is survived by her son Tim Prestebak, daughter Jane Prestebak (Sam Storino) and daughter Dena Halsa (Mike), exchange daughter, Katia Sakoschek. Her grandchildren include Lorentza Ruud (Etienne Daly), Anna (Alex) Burton, Adelle (Tyler) Christianson, Adrian Prestebak, Alan (Ariana) Prestebak, Nate Halsa, Aaron Halsa, and Molly Halsa. Her great-grandchildren include Jack, Gus, and Bjorn Christianson, Cheslie, Thomas, Jordy and Bianka Burton, Eugenie Ruud Daly, and Theo Prestebak.

May her memory be blessed!