Mavis Arlene Wandersee

Mavis "Arlene" Wandersee, age 91, of Canby, MN passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7th at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN at a later date. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mavis Arlene Wandersee was born on April 25, 1933 at Lake Cochrane, rural Gary, South Dakota to parents Arnold and Marie (Carton) Thorpe. She grew up near Lake Cochrane and went to school in Astoria, SD. She was united in marriage to Bob Wandersee on May 15, 1970 in New Hope, MN.
Arlene was active in civic affairs. She was involved in starting a church in Fridley, MN and loved her bible study groups. She was a member of the Lund/Hoel House historical society. Bob and Arlene updated the Canby RR Museum. Arlene was a member of the Canby VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was also a member of the Canby Welcoming Committee and she recorded Canby historical figures. Arlene was also involved in a quilting club and enjoyed donating them. She enjoyed card games, puzzles and playing her piano.
Arlene passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 21 days.
Grateful for having shared Arlene's life is her husband of 54 years, Bob Wandersee; her brother Dale (Kathy) Thorpe and one sister, Marion (Dave) Brodersen. She was devoted to her children: Jacqueline (Robin) Crandall, Michael (Debbie) Henderson and Arlinda Henderson who loved her greatly. She loved her stepchildren: Stacy Bennincasa, David (Sue) Wandersee and Lynn (Butch) Guptil. She was very close to all of them. Arlene had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she loved. She has always kept in touch with all of them. She is survived by many friends across the country. She will be greatly missed by her husband, siblings, children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Marie Thorpe, Bob's parents' Fred and Dorothy Wandersee and nephew Kyle Thorpe.