Arlene Stenberg

Arlene June Stenberg passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 16, 2026, in her home in Wadena, Minnesota. Funeral Services will be held on January 22, 2026, at 11:00 am at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, Minnesota with a visitation one hour prior to the start of service. Burial will be at Motley Cemetery.

She was born August 1, 1945, to Herman and Monta (Icenhower) McMillian in Redtop, Missouri. Arlene was the youngest of six children.

Arlene graduated from high school in Fair Grove, Missouri. On October 24, 1968, she married Juel Stenberg, beginning a life together. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Missy and Jerel (Bubba). Juel and Arlene left Missouri in 1979 and moved to New York Mills, MN. There, they had a farm and enjoyed country life. In 1987, they moved to Grygla, MN, to continue raising sheep and cattle. In 1992, they moved to Motley, where they started their business, Stenberg’s Supply, with their son, Jerel (Bubba).

Arlene had several hobbies she enjoyed over the years: puzzles, collecting recipes to share, and coloring. Arlene had a deep passion for gardening and canning. Arlene took pride in teaching several grandchildren to can. Most of her favorite pastimes took place in the garden or the kitchen. Arlene also greatly enjoyed flowers. Her son built her a greenhouse of her own, and that was one of her prized possessions. She took a special delight in her flowers and decorated her yard with potted flowers every summer.

Above all else, Arlene cherished her family deeply. Her warmth and generosity touched many lives.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, husband Juel, son Bubba, brothers: Thoman, Hertha, Otis, and Winston McMillian; and sister Glenda Eagleburger.

Arlene will be remembered by her daughter, Missy (Wayne) Ament; five grandchildren: Ashley (Dan) Shingledecker, Emily (Brenden) Honebrink, Steph (Kevin) Nelson, Seth (Rachel) Ament, and Kristyn (Jake) Rude. As well as 17 great-grandchildren: Caleb, Logan, Olivia, & Allyson Shingledecker; Adelle, Paxton, & Natalie Honebrink; Wayne, Jedd, Hanse, & Maeve Nelson; Arlo, Hank, & Coy Ament; Colt, Archer, & Remi Rude. Along with her sisters-in-law, Maxine McMillan & Jacquelynn McGuire

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

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