The Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1st, 2026.
A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Rockwell Church, 93 Midway Drive, Virginia, MN 55792
Elsie Ann Arvola went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 23, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Elsie was born on July 29, 1933 to Fred and Elma Carlson in Soudan, Minnesota. She graduated from Tower-Soudan High School in 1951 and worked at the Arrowhead Shirt Factory before becoming a secretary for the Oliver Mining Company.
Elsie married the love of her life, Duane, on May 31, 1952 at Soudan Baptist Church. Together they were blessed with five children; Diane Blackmun, Sue Dybevik (Brent), Bob Arvola (Sue), Peggy Mitrovich, and Dan Arvola (Colleen). Their family grew to include 16 grandchildren, including grandson Isaac, who welcomed her into Heaven, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Elsie was instrumental in the co-founding, ownership, and operation of Duane’s Outfitters and Duane’s Marine. She and Duane welcomed visitors from around the world, many of whom became lifelong friends.
A charter member of Babbitt Baptist Church, Elsie faithfully served through the Women’s Missionary Guild, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, children’s programs, and special music. She also sponsored four orphaned children through World Vision and supported Lowell Lundstrom Ministries.
Elsie loved sewing, knitting, cross-stitching, gardening, reading, camping, canoeing, boating, and gathering with family. Her favorite place to relax was the family cabin, where many treasured memories were made. In 1973, she became “American Mom” to Jaana, a foreign exchange student from Finland, beginning a lifelong friendship.
Above all, Elsie loved the Lord, her family, and sharing her faith in Jesus Christ. While she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she has been joyfully reunited with Duane and is forever in the presence of her Lord and Savior.
Services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Rockwell Church, 93 Midway Drive, Virginia, Minnesota. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow. Service will be live streamed from Rockwell Church. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
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