Arlene Porter

Arlene Janice Pouliot was born on April 25, 1938 in Medina, Minnesota.  Her parents were the late Lawrence Joseph and Lucille Fern (Hines) Pouliot.  Arlene was baptized in 1938 and later confirmed in Hamel, Minnesota.  She attended the Wayzata High School in Wayzata, Minnesota.

On July 9, 1955 Arlene was united in marriage with Dale John Porter at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Hamel, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with 8 children: Cathy, Michael, Kenneth, Joseph, Connie, Steven, David and Scott.  Arlene and Dale made their home in Hamel and in 1968 moved to Stanchfield, Minnesota where they farmed.  From 1976 to 1982 they resided in Henning where Arlene owned and operated Henning Floral.  For the last 40 years Arlene and Dale have made their home in Bluffton and owned and operated Leather & Stuff in Wadena for 20 of those years. 

Arlene was a Life Member of the Christian Mother’s at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. She enjoyed flowers, sewing, crafts, quilting, canning, gardening, playing cards and Yahtzee.  Arlene and Dale loved square dancing and would travel anywhere for a good dance.  They were Co-Presidents of the Central West Square Dance Region for many years. 

On May 31, 2023 Arlene passed away peacefully with the gentle care of Knute Nelson Hospice at her home in Bluffton, Minnesota at 85 years of age. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.  Preceding Arlene in death were her parents: Lawrence and Lucille Pouliot, son, Kenneth Porter; granddaughter, Shawnna and 7 siblings: Dennis Pouliot, Allen Pouliot, Alfred “Butch” Pouliot, Nancy Dupont, Audrey Stimler, Avis Pouliot and David Pouliot,

Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Dale Porter of Bluffton; children: Cathy Rivas Carballo of Minneapolis; Michael (Valerie) Porter of Niagra, Wisconsin; Joseph (Roxanne) Porter of Brainerd; Connie (Tom) Doll of Hewitt; Steven (Cathy) Porter of Mora; David (Alethea) of McHenry, Illinois and Scott Porter of Deer Creek; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Annette Clark of Brook Park; sisters-in-law: Dodi Pouliot, Donna Pouliot and Arvilla Fischer; brother-in-law: James Porter; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Knute Nelson Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.

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