ARLEEN C. RETZLAFF

ARLEEN C.  RETZLAFF

Arleen Carvel Riste, 99, Cooperstown, ND, was born February 2, 1924, in Romness Township near Cooperstown, the daughter of Alma Stromme Riste and Clarence Julius Riste.  Arleen attended school and graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1941.  Arleen attended Interstate Business College in Fargo and later worked at the County Extension Office in Cooperstown. 

Arleen married Donald Grante Retzlaff on June 25, 1944, at Cooperstown Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND.  Arleen and Donald farmed near Cooperstown for 34 years before retiring to winter each year in Harlingen, Texas.  Donald died February 6, 1996 and Arleen continued to return to Texas in the winter until 2014.  Arleen died Tuesday, August 15, 2023, in Griggs County Care Center, Cooperstown, ND.

Arleen enjoyed quilting, painting, crocheting, knitting, bible study, yoga, exercise, the family kittens and horses and her loving family most of all.

Arleen is survived by  three daughters, Marcia, (Steve) Carnes, Plymouth, MN; Cyndi (Mark) Hill, Valley City, ND; Nancy (Mark) Lunde, Cooperstown, ND; 9 grandchildren-Grante (Joy Hanson) Carnes; Camille (Thelis) Borgo; Carissa (Jeff) Ellingson; Tricia (Shane) Germann; Jay Larson; Tiffany (Merl) Greenley; Krista (Scott) Bauer; Shawn (Alisha Sagel) Lunde; Mark (Maeghen R' Lynds) Hill; and 19 great grandchildren-Alec Carnes; Courtney (Josh) Wilson; Nyla, Cairo Borgo; Ethan, Synneva, Ashton Ellingson; Talia, Corbin Germann; Michaela, Joseph Larson, Donovan Klevgaard, Whillow Smith; Odin, Zoe, Liam Greenley; Madeleine, Samuel, Reid Hill plus several nieces and nephews.

Arleen was preceded in death by her husband Donald; her siblings Orinda Beiers, Casper Riste and Milo Riste; and her parents Clarence Julius and Alma Riste.

Arleen’s family would like to thank the caring staff of Griggs County Care Center for their love and kindness to her during her time there.  The Red River Valley Hospice nursing staff, Chaplain, and social worker made her transition to her next life peaceful and comfortable.  Heartfelt thanks to the staff of both.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m., Friday, August 25, at Quam Plaisted Cushman Funeral Home, Cooperstown.  A funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown.  A private family burial will immediately follow the service at Cooperstown Cemetery.