Arlene Elizabeth Mekash

Funeral services for Arlene Elizabeth Mekash of Roseau, MN will be held Thursday, May 31st at 10:30 AM at First United Lutheran Church in Roseau.  Visitation will be on Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau.  Interment will be at Hope Cemetery in Roseau.  Arlene  passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the LifeCare Roseau Manor at the age of 89.

Arlene was born on November 28, 1928 in Roseau, MN to Pansy (Temple) and Albert Olson.  She grew up and attended school in Roseau. Life kept her busy raising 10 children. She worked several jobs in Roseau including Earl’s Drive In where she was known for her potato salad. Grandma expressed her love and care through baking and cooking.  She could often be found in her kitchen at 4:00 AM whipping up dozens of loaves of bread, dozens of cookies and her famous caramel rolls to deliver to family and friends. This practical care she showed to others WILL BE greatly missed. She was affectionately known as cookie Grama or just Grama to many people. She was feisty and always had a quick comeback line. She was also caring, loving, and a giving lady. She loved to read and sew when she was able.  She was a past member of American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary.

Arlene is survived by her children, Marilyn (Dan) Edman of Warren, MN, James Mekash of Yuma, AZ, Bonnie (Kraig) Lee of Wannaska, MN, Robert (Anna) Mekash, John (Bonnie) Mekash, Janet (Mike) Hetteen and Mark (Shelly) Mekash, all of Roseau, MN; grandchildren, Stephen, Michael, Matthew, Andrew, Stacie, Margo, Austin, Allen, Emily, Scott, Cierra, Karrie, Travis, Tyler, and many great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Emil in 2011; son, Michael; daughters Joanne and Mary Jo Mekash; and brother, Morrell Olson.

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