Arlene M. Hegle

A private burial for Arlene Hegle of Warroad will be held.  A celebration of Arlene's life will be held Friday, August 6, 2021 from 2 PM at Arneson's Rocky Point Resort, 6760 Rocky Point Road, Roosevelt, MN 56673.

Arlene Margaret Pettit was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 20, 1933 to Clarence and Catherine Pettit.  She joined her brother Donald and sister Joanne.  Arlene was an extremely gifted pianist and singer.  She had two piano lessons in her lifetime and went on to win piano competitions in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  While sister Joanne attended The Julliard School of Music, Arlene continued to spend hours playing the piano by ear.  Arlene played and sang for numerous school and church choirs in Minnesota, Illinois, Alaska, British Columbia Canada, North Dakota and California.  Arlene loved to sing in duets, trios, quartets and as a soloist.

Arlene loved the outdoors.  She could be found climbing her favorite trees with her lunch and a book in her hands.  She loved tobogganing, ice skating, hiking, camping, picnics, bonfires by the beach, sleigh rides, and carriage rides.  Arlene loved road trips, motorcycle, boat, airplane and helicopter excursions.  She was smart as a whip!  Arlene tested out of two years of school and graduated from Roosevelt High School at the age of sixteen.  She was fluent in several Scandinavian languages.   Arlene thoroughly enjoyed visiting family members and attending family reunions in Minnesota and the Dakotas!

During her high school years, Arlene met her soulmate and love of her life, Virgil Hegle.  Arlene was often on the back of Virgil's Harley, talking away, swallowing June bugs while Virgil ducked behind the motorcycle windshields.  She was Virgil's cheerleader as he competed for State of Minnesota Ski Jumping Competitions and played Football for Bethel College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 

Virgil and Arlene were married in Minneapolis, Minnesota and went on to live an extremely adventurous life, together.  She attended classes at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois.  Arlene was the First Lady of Churches in Anchorage, Alaska, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Roseau, Warroad and Grand Marais, Minnesota and Minot, North Dakota.   Arlene was Virgil's Co-Pilot for life and worked as an accountant at Virgil's Flight School, Northland Aviation in Anoka County, Minnesota.  Arlene was also a switchboard operator for the telephone company.

Arlene was the mother of three lively children, Mark, Paula and Daniel.  Her greatest gifts were her quick wit, and an ability to make individuals from all walks of life and deer, moose, elk, horses, cats, dogs, rabbits, goldfish, turtles, salamanders, lizards,  parakeets, chipmunks, hamsters, and racoons, etc.. feel welcome and cherished in her homes and surrounding property.  Arlene extended hospitality to tens of hundreds of people, cooking incredible meals and baking hundreds of varieties of breads, cakes, bars, candy and cookies for various family, church, school and community events.   

"Grandma Arlene was an exceptionally kind and loving Grandmother.  From the days of early childhood, I vividly recall the countless times I'd walk into her living room to an enthusaistic shout of my name.  She would always greet me with a heartwarming smile and great big hug, and then quickly shuffle to get me situated behind whatever new delicious treat she had been making.  Always trying to make sure I had eaten, and make sure I was content.  Amidst her poetry recitations in reverse, and funny jabs at Grandpa, I will always appreciate how she would often take the time to speak kindly of others and express her care.  She was a genuine and thoughtful woman, who ever so graciously fulfilled her roll as Grandma, and it was a true blessing to have shared so many moments with her that I will forever cherish."

Arlene was a faithful prayer warrior and could often be found with her Bible open on her lap, praying for the needs of her family, friends, community and world.  She was a loving Aunt to numerous nephews, nieces and Great nephews and nieces.   

During Virgil's semi-retirement, Arlene loved to accompany Virgil to various locksmithing and security projects, stopping for coffee, meals or just visiting throughout Northern MInnesota. 

Arlene was expertly and lovingly cared for by the staff of Warroad Senior Living Center, in Warroad, Minnesota prior to her death in Fargo, North Dakota on November 20, 2020.  Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, sons Daniel and Mark Hegle, and numerous relatives.  Arlene Hegle is survived by daughter Paula Hegle, Grandson Justin and his wife, Jacqueline Hegle, Great Grandson, "Baby J," Hegle due in March, 2021, her sister-in-law, Annette and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. 

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