Arleen E. Gjefle, 80, of Ontario passed away Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
Arleen was born in Scranton, N.D., on Oct. 5, 1931, to Frank and Mabel (Caron) Rodd. On Oct. 17, 1953, she was united in marriage to Leland Gjefle in Scranton, N.D. In 1954, Leland and Arleen moved to Wisconsin. They purchased a farm in Hay Valley, outside of Ontario, in 1960, and they happily made this their home. She lived on the family farm until 2011, when she moved to Bothne House in Coon Valley and thoroughly enjoyed her life, many friends, bingo, and the loving and compassionate caregivers there.
Arleen loved people and was able to visit with anyone and make them feel special. Helping her family and friends and those in need was her passion. She will be missed by many.
She is survived by her children, Pastor Michael (Tammy) Gjefle of Ontario, Caron (Dennis) Manion of Watertown, Wis., and Carla (Scott) Lundeen of La Crosse; a brother, James Rodd of San Diego, Calif.; a sister, Winnie Ofte of Richland Center, Wis.; a daughter-in-law, Sheila (Roger) Peterson of Ontario; her sisters-in-law, Elmera Gjefle of Coon Valley, Wis., Doris Rodd of Mound, Minn., and Sharon Rodd of Scranton, N.D.; along with many grandchildren, one great-grandson, other relatives and dear friends.
Arleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leland, in 2005; a son, Dr. Richard Gjefle; and her brothers, Frank, Clayton, Chuck, Larry and David Rodd.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Faith Independent Baptist Church, Ontario. Pastor Michael Gjefle will officiate. Burial will follow in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario.
Family and friends are invited for visitation at the church from 5-8 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to services Monday. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
