Arlene Nelson, age 96 of Westbrook, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024 at the Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center. A visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Westbrook Funeral Home. A PRIVATE family service will be held. Interment is in the Westbrook Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Arlene was born on the family farm in Westbrook Township on September 9, 1927 to William and Martha (Gertner) Schmalz. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Arlene attended grades 1-8 at the District 59 Country School. She then graduated from Westbrook High School in 1945. In 1950, Arlene was united in marriage to Eugene “Bud” Nelson at Grace Lutheran Church. In 1958 they adopted their daughter Ronda Kay. Together they lived in Clarkfield, Eagle Lake and Westbrook. Throughout her life, she worked at Lichty Drug, Brenda’s Gifts and Floral shop, Bernie’s Dress Shop, Stevenson’s Dress Shop and Betty’s Gift Shop. She ended her working career back at Lichty Drug doing what she enjoyed best, arranging flowers in their floral department. You would find her busy at home baking, canning, sewing and having coffee with her friends. She loved spending time with her granddaughters Alicia and Christel.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Ronda (Mac) Habicht of Willmar; granddaughters Alicia Spindler of St. Michael & Christel (Justin) Nicholes of Sioux Falls, SD; great grandchildren Nathan & Leah Spindler; step grandchildren Briana (Josh) Jensen & Arhen (Leah) Habicht; step great grandchildren Chloe Jensen and Verena & Jackson Habicht. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bud, siblings Arthur & Harold Schmalz and Loretta Anderson, and a great grandson Ian Spindler.