Arliss Orpha Cerny

Arliss Orpha Cerny (Anderson), age 97, of Austin, Minnesota passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by her family, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare.

Arliss was born in Hayfield, Minnesota, on November 2, 1928, to Oscar and Ellen (Benson) Anderson. She was the second of three daughters. Arliss was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. She attended elementary and high school in Hayfield and graduated in 1946. She went on to attend business school for one year in Rochester and then worked for a government office in rent control.

Through mutual friends, Arliss met Donald M. Cerny. They were married on June 20, 1952. In 2016, Donald and Arliss celebrated 64 years of marriage. The two made their home in Austin, where they raised their family of five children, Lynne, Diane, Marsha, David, and Paul.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynne (Tom) Hansen, Diane (Ken) Wangen, Marsha (Don) Leathers; sons, David (Deb) Cerny, Paul (Rhonda) Cerny; ten grandchildren, Josh (Erin) Hansen, Elizabeth (Ben) Erdner, Gretchen (Jon) Beyer, Evan Wangen, Andrew (Rose) Wangen, Paul (Quinn) Leathers, Cassie Leathers, Emily (Scott) Schoper, Krista (Josh) Lunz, Ellen (Gage Pilaczynski) Cerny; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Arliss was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ellen Anderson; husband, Donald Cerny; sisters, Elvira (Ray) Tarleton and Gretchen Thoen; grandson, Michael Leathers; in-laws, Dorothy and Frank Cerny; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service for Arliss will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be from 12:30-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hot Meals on Wheels or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.