Remembering Arlen Roesner: A Life Linked with South Dakota’s Rich Heritage
Arlen Wayne Roesner, a beloved figure whose life journey intertwined deeply with South Dakota’s spirit, passed away at the age of 84 in Willmar, on a serene Saturday, December 27. Born on November 28, 1941, in Jackson County, Minnesota, Arlen’s roots extended into the heart of South Dakota through education and shared interests that bound him to the community.
Arlen graduated in 1959 from Jackson High School and took a meaningful step forward by attending business school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a city that personifies midwestern values and grandeur. This connection to Sioux Falls not only marked the beginning of Arlen’s professional pursuits but further bonded him to the people and the culture that celebrates determination and community spirit.
During his career, Arlen began working with Duall Manufacturing, where he honed his skills before transitioning into a key role as a purchasing manager for Willmar Manufacturing, a position he held until his retirement in 2000. Over decades, Arlen contributed to the industry with the lucidity that came from an education enriched by South Dakota’s ethos.
Amid his professional responsibilities, Arlen married Jan Sommers on August 10, 1963, in a heartfelt ceremony at the First Lutheran Church in Pipestone. Their union blessed them with two children, Kevin and Kris, and provided a lifelong partnership marked by shared joys and passions.
While their life together unfolded in Willmar, Arlen and Jan remained spiritually connected through their former membership at Vinje Lutheran Church and embraced the thrill of winter sports as members of the Snow Skippers Snowmobile Club. Here, Arlen found a community of friends and fellow enthusiasts that mirrored his enthusiasm for outdoor adventures—a trait common among South Dakotans whose winters are rich with activity and shared laughter.
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Sioux Falls South Dakota[/p]
A passionate sports lover, Arlen experienced the thrill of attending iconic sporting events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, and NCAA Basketball Final Four—events that demonstrate the vibrancy and dedication of sports fans both locally and nationally. Notably, Arlen’s passion led him to engage with NASCAR, a sport that aligns closely with the rural American spirit prevalent in South Dakota.
Arlen’s legacy extends beyond personal accomplishments, as seen in his most cherished act of serving as a stem cell donor for his younger brother, Lyle—a testament to his love for family and community welfare, values deeply rooted in South Dakota’s traditions of kinship and support.
In retirement, Arlen’s zest for life saw him and Jan wintering in Texas, forming memorable journeys through cruising, fishing trips to Canada, and dancing—showcasing a lifestyle filled with movement and joy that parallels the energetic pulse of South Dakota. He continuously engaged in home remodeling and woodworking, hobbies that reflect a hands-on approach resonant with the state’s industrious nature.
Arlen’s life was celebrated through the love shared with his six grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who fondly recall his presence at their sporting events, instilling a legacy of encouragement and active participation that shapes their connection to their own South Dakotan heritage.
Arlen is survived by his devoted wife, Jan; his children, Kevin Roesner and Kris (Eric) Wilner; and his grandchildren, whose lives continue to reflect his charismatic spirit. The family invites those who knew him to participate in celebrating Arlen’s life by sending flowers directly to the family or planting a memorial tree in his honor.
Contact Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home for further details.
Legacy and Contributions: Embracing South Dakota’s Spirit
Arlen Roesner’s life is a remarkable testament to how personal history intertwines with place, with South Dakota serving as an influential backdrop throughout his years. The values gleaned there—community, resilience, and vibrancy—infused his life and those of his family, ensuring his memory resonates with not only those who knew him personally but with the wider community embodying these principles.
Plant a tree in memory of Arlen Wayne Roesner
[h4]Keywords: South Dakota, Sioux Falls, Arlen Roesner, Obituary, Family Legacy, Sports Events Enthusiast, Community Spirit, Manufacturing Industry[/h4]