Arlys Mamie Eilts (née Ziegler)

Age 89, of St. Paul, passed away on December 4, 2025.

Preceded in death by parents, Richard & Mamie (Waage) Ziegler; and siblings, Dick Ziegler, Ron Ziegler, Larry Ziegler, Aline Luckow, Clarice Wells, & Evelyn Scharn.

Survived by husband, Leonard Eilts; children, Michael (Tammi) Eilts, Diane (Donald) Schuette, Bradley (Deborah) Eilts, Dawn (Daryl) Frett, Timothy (Jane) Eilts, Beth Tretter (Jason Chmielewski), Jennifer Eilts, and Ruth Eilts; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Gerald (Marilyn) Ziegler, Verdell (Robert) Wiles, and Bev (Bruce) Wosje; and in-laws, Melvin Eilts, Larry Eilts, & Peggy Wubben.

Arlys Eilts, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted servant of her community, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

Born and raised on her family farm, Arlys treasured her early years with her parents and nine siblings. Those days instilled in her the values of hard work, cooperation, and faith. She fondly remembered getting “lost” in Aunt Arlene’s large home, helping with canning and garden harvests, eating strawberries “three times a day,” and herding cattle to greener summer pastures.

Encouraged by her mother’s deep belief in education, Arlys attended South Dakota State University, embracing campus life, Hobo Day traditions, and work in the food labs for 45 cents an hour. She graduated in 1958 with a degree in Home Economics and Child Development, just weeks after marrying the love of her life, Leonard. She soon joined him in France during his military service, where they spent their first 18 months of marriage and welcomed their son, Michael.

Together, Arlys and Leonard raised eight children in the Lutheran faith. A lifelong advocate for children, Arlys often said, “caring for children was my first real job.” She and Leonard fostered 15 children, adopting three, and she served as a Guardian ad Litem for 20 years, providing steadfast support to vulnerable youth. For 34 years, she also led a Girl Scout troop, nurturing confidence, creativity, and leadership in countless young girls.

Faith and community were the foundation of Arlys’s life. After joining St. Timothy Lutheran Church in 1979, she chaired the ELCA Faith Circle, participated in Bible studies, supported homebound members, and organized theatre and card groups that brought joy and connection to the congregation.

Arlys was also known for her gift of bringing people together socially. She loved coordinating groups for dinners, theatre outings, and card-playing events—always making sure everyone felt included, welcomed, and cared for. Her talent for organizing these gatherings created lasting friendships and warm memories for all who joined.

Arlys was the matriarch of her large, lively family—the steady, guiding heart who remembered every birthday, every milestone, and every preference. She created magic at Christmas, organized cherished gatherings, and ensured no one went without support. Two traditions were especially dear to her: Christmas in the family home and an annual week at a cabin in northern Minnesota.

Arlys will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness, strength, and unwavering compassion. Her legacy of faith, service, and love lives on in every life she enriched.

Visitation 10:00 - 11:00 am Wednesday, December 10 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1465 Victoria St. N., St. Paul followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am.

Private inurnment at Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Timothy Lutheran Church.

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