Arlene Mae Ohlaug

Arlene Ohlaug, of Appleton, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the Appleton Care Center at the age of 92.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Zniewski Funeral Home – Vaala Chapel in Appleton, with Pastor Marie Eckberg officiating. Burial will follow in the Appleton City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Arlene Mae Ohlaug was born on July 12, 1933, to Edna (Ronning) and Sylfest Bakken in Appleton, MN. She was baptized on September 29, 1933, and confirmed on May 16, 1948, at Drywood Lutheran Church. She graduated from Appleton High School in 1951. Arlene worked for the local telephone company as a switchboard operator until its closing. She then spent more than 30 years as a cashier at the Red Owl grocery store. In her retirement, Arlene worked for many years at the Appleton nursing home, where she helped organize activities and brought joy to the residents.

She was united in marriage to her husband, Dean, on September 29, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, MN. They lived on the farm outside of Madison until moving to town, making their home in Appleton in 1959. To this union, two daughters were born: Mary and Lori.

Arlene found joy in simple pleasures and time spent with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and going dancing with Dean in their younger years. Many cherished memories were made at the family camper in Alexandria. Fishing trips with Dean were a favorite pastime - and she was always trying to outfish him.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Brian) Stassen of Willmar; son-in-law, Al Norby of Holloway; grandchildren Mike (Sarah) Stassen of Ghent, Angie (Tom Lungu) Stassen of Lino Lakes, and Matt (Mandi) Norby of Ghent; great-grandchildren Ireland Stassen, Creed Stassen, Jagger Stassen, Beckham Norby, Oakley Norby, Joseph Lungu, and Junior Lungu; as well as many extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Sylfest Bakken; husband, Dean; daughter, Lori Norby; brother, Eldon (Lorraine) Bakken; sister, Gladys (Ed) Burlem; and several extended family members.