Saturday, August 1st, 2026.
10am Visitation. 11am Service.
Rockwell Church
93 Midway Drive
Virginia, MN 55792
Obituary
(Published by Landmark Funeral Home – Virginia MN)
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.
Elsie Arvola’s Life Story
(More details than the obituary shares)
Our mom was, first and foremost, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her faith shaped every part of her life and was reflected in the kindness, generosity, compassion, and servant’s heart she shared with everyone she met.
Mom was born on July 29, 1933, to Fred and Elma Carlson in Soudan, Minnesota. She grew up with her brothers, Ronald and Marvin, and her sister, Judy. She attended Soudan Grade School and graduated from Tower-Soudan High School in 1951, where she studied secretarial skills while enjoying basketball and baseball. After graduation, she worked at the Arrowhead Shirt Factory in Virginia before becoming a secretary for the Oliver Mining Company.
Mom met the love of her life, Duane, when her blind date brought him along. They were married on May 31, 1952, at Soudan Baptist Church. One of her favorite stories was from the morning of their wedding. She walked through the neighborhood asking if she could cut lilacs from people’s bushes, then lovingly fastened them to the church pews herself, filling the sanctuary with the fragrance of spring as she and Dad began their life together.
Their marriage was blessed with five children—Diane Blackmun, Sue Dybevik (Brent), Bob Arvola (Sue), Peggy Mitrovich, and Dan Arvola (Colleen). Their family continued to grow with 16 grandchildren, including their beloved grandson Isaac, who was reunited with Grandma in Heaven, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Every one of them held a special place in her heart.
In the early 1960s, Mom was instrumental in the co-founding, ownership, and operation of Duane’s Outfitters and Marine. What began with a single canoe grew into a business that welcomed visitors from across the country and around the world to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. Dad often handled the wilderness while Mom added the “woman’s touch,” making guests feel welcome and creating friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Mom and Dad were proud charter members of Babbitt Baptist Church. While the church was being built, she lovingly prepared meals and carried water to the volunteers working on the building. Throughout the years she faithfully served through the Women’s Missionary Guild, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, children’s Christmas programs, special music, Bible studies, and many other church activities. She and Dad also sponsored four orphaned children through World Vision and faithfully supported Lowell Lundstrom Ministries.
Mom found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved sewing dresses for her daughters, knitting, cross-stitching, reading, gardening, canning, camping, canoeing, boating, and spending time with family and friends.
Of all the places she loved, the family cabin was her favorite. It was where she truly relaxed. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, she treasured gathering with family, sharing meals, laughing together, watching her grandchildren play, and simply enjoying the peacefulness of the Northwoods. The cabin wasn’t just a place to visit—it was where countless family memories were made, and where Mom’s heart felt most at home.
Mom loved studying God’s Word and participated in several Bible study groups throughout her life. One of her greatest joys was recently completing a Bible study on Heaven with her granddaughter Marie, a fitting reminder of the hope she carried throughout her life.
In 1973, Mom became “American Mom” to Jaana, a foreign exchange student from Finland. What began as a summer together grew into a lifelong friendship that she cherished.
During the last year of her life, Mom was blessed to live with her grandson Chris and his wife, Michelle. She became a cherished part of their family, enjoyed learning new games, sharing recipes, and quickly fell in love with their dogs. Callie the cat chose Mom as her special person, curling up beside her and happily claiming her lap whenever she had the chance.
More than anything else, Mom loved the Lord. She loved telling others about Jesus, encouraging people in their faith, and living a life that reflected His love. Her greatest desire was that others would know the same hope and joy she had found in her Savior.
Although our hearts are broken and we miss her beyond words, we rejoice knowing she has been reunited with Dad, her parents, brothers, sister, grandson Isaac, many dear relatives and friends, and, above all, her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The faith that guided her throughout her life has now become sight, and for that we are forever grateful.
Rockwell Church Facebook Post:
“Elsie Arvola went home to be with Jesus last night. This video clip from her husband Duane’s memorial service tells what a special lady she was. Many people were saved during those Lowell Lundstrom Crusades. This YouTube link should start where Londa Lunstrom tells how special she was to them.” https://www.youtube.com/live/0_mff4pIbJ0?si=_bZBquI6sTl4ux4y&t=2248