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BORN
1937
DIED
2013
Arlene Oberg Obituary
Arlene Helen Juberg Ronglien Oberg (aka "Bestemor"), was born February 1, 1937 to Nicolai and Agnes Juberg in Minneapolis MN and died December 3, 2013. She had an older sister Larraine, and an older brother Robert.
She graduated from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, married Allen Ronglien, moved to Seattle, and had two sons, Lyle and Lowell. She worked as a Tupperware Manager where she became one of their top producers. In 1977 Allen and Arlene divorced. She went to work for Seafirst Bank, rising to become their Safety and Loss Control Officer until retiring in 2000.
Arlene joined the Naval Reserve in 1979 where she met Russell Oberg. They married in 1981 and lived lovingly together for 33 years. During that time she became enthusiastically involved in pleasure boating in Puget Sound, the San Juan's and Canadian waters as a member of Queen City Yacht Club. She sang with her "sisters" in the Norwegian Ladies Chorus for over 20 years, traveling to Norway on two occasions for concert tours. She joined the Sons of Norway with Russ in 1983 where they just completed 30 years. During that time she became very active as an officer and a board member for the Leif Erikson lodge in Ballard. Commencing in 1985 she and Russ first traveled to Norway to visit their families and then returned on several occasions. She became quite skilled in cross stitching, winning awards for her work at the Puyallup Fair. She was truly a "People Person" who lit up the room and made lasting personal relationships wherever she ventured.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother and sister. She is survived by Russ, her sons, Lyle (Kristen) and Lowell (Suzanne), Russ's son, Gregory (Sheri) and daughter, Jeanine Hammel (Kurt), and four grandchildren (Hailey and Hannah by Lyle, and Katherine and Caroline by Gregory.)
Her memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Ballard on December 22 at 3pm. Memorials are suggested to the Nordic Heritage Museum, the Leif Erikson Lodge Education Foundation or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Oberg
Sponsored by The Family.
Linda & Bruce Mooney
February 12, 2014
We have many fond memories of Arlene Oberg from her days at Seafirst Bank. Also remember riding on their boat with the office group. She was quite a lady and a good friend to all. Bruce & Linda Mooney
Gayle and Richard Frisch
December 22, 2013
Dear Russ and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss of Arlene. She will always be remembered by many many people for being such an amazing and unique woman.
Our Love,
Gayle and Richard Frisch
Denise Auld
December 21, 2013
I spent many a wonderful day in the company of Arlene. I met her when we worked together at Seafirst Bank. A proud moment for her was when she talked her first (tight-fisted) boss into purchasing Seafirst's first "word-processing machine", or computer.
Arlene volunteered for the Red Cross for many years, and she and I taught First Aid and CPR to Seafirst staff. She was so funny and entertaining that we all had a blast! We also taught an Evergreen Safety Council Defensive Driving Course to Seafirst employees, and she travelled the State visiting every bank branch as the Safety & Loss Control Officer.
Arlene was multi-talented, but one of her most unusual skills she learned when she was Western Washington's top sales manager for Tupperware. Arlene would have a room of 30 people take turns saying their first names, and when they finished, she could remember every person's name!
When I married in 1979, Arlene was thrilled to be my bridesmaid, even though we were 15 years apart in age.
She taught me how to teach a class, how to behave with class, and everything about Tupperware and being Norwegian.
My favorite memory of her is dancing to the BeeGees in her living room.
She was a charming, lovely, determined, giving soul and I am blessed to have known her. Enjoy this next adventure, dear Arlene!
Sam Cheyne
December 14, 2013
Arlene was the most dedicated person and friend anyone could ever ask for. As the Command Senior Chief of NSD YOKO 122, I sought advice from her. Her compassion and fairness and love of people was her most enduring quality. Her commitment to God and Country meant a lot to me personally.
Molly Chapman
December 11, 2013
My husband and I lived on the same floor as Russ and Arlene at the condos in Ballard, and they were wonderful and fun neighbors. Arlene was such a spark and always so fun to talk to. Arlene, as others have also said, you will be truly missed - and you always brought a smile to our faces as well.
Susie Overlund-McEver
December 11, 2013
Arlene was a true friend and so caring. She was my mother's lifelong friend who became my friend. Like others, I will remember her smile and vivaciousness. Her lasting legacy to me is that she passed on the love of all things UW and Norwegian. She instilled in me the desire to learn more about my Norske family. Thank you Arlene for getting our family involved with the Pacific Coast Norwegian Singers Association. Our prayers are with Russ and family.
CAPT Jon SOINE, SC, USNR (Ret)
December 9, 2013
Russ and family,
On behalf of our fellow Navy Shiplmates, I offer my condelences on Arlene's "journey home". BLESSED be the memory of Navy Petty Officer Arlene Oberg, our dear friend.
Jana Cates
December 9, 2013
I remember when I first met Arlene - My Mom brought home a lady she had met commuting into Seattle on the bus! Because Arlene had to pass by our house to get home from the bus stop she became a regular visitor/part of the family! Rest in Peace Arlene, you will be missed.
17th of May 2008 with the Hunters
December 9, 2013
A smile will always come to my face when I think of Arlene. Her energy, her bright spirit and amazing personality were infectious. A loving woman, mother and grandmother. I will miss her very much, but I also know she is busy organizing in heaven and celebrating with those she loves. She will always be with us. Love to the whole family, Vicky/Victoria Sangrey Hunter
Jeanine Hammel
December 9, 2013
You will be sorely missed, and always dearly loved.
December 8, 2013
As relatives of Arlene living in Minneapolis, MN, we were fortunate enough to enjoy her smile and company a couple times in recent years. She was truly a special woman and we will sincerely miss her.
- Troy, Jessica, Joshua, and Madelyn Roiger
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