Arlene Delores (Burr) Smith

Arlene Smith, age 90, of Bemidji, MN, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at her home with family by her side.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 , at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji, with Pastor Les Uhrinak officiating.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Monday, May 18, 2026 at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji; and one hour prior to the church service.  Interment will be at St. Mark’s Cemetery in Bemidji, MN, under the direction of Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji. 

Arlene was born September 18, 1935, in Bemidji, Minnesota, the daughter of Gustave and Amy (Nelson) Burr.  She grew up and attended school in Bemidji, MN.    

On July 1, 1956, Arlene married Thomas Smith and they made their home in Bemidji, MN.

Arlene worked at Grinnell’s Insurance and Farmers Home Administration (FHA) and later at Bemidji Auto Parts for 34 years until her retirement in 1999.

Arlene enjoyed gardening, dancing and square dancing, bowling, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.  She recycled hundreds of greeting cards and embroidered dish towels for the Senior Center.  She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a member of Ladies Aid, Circle, and Active Christian Fellowship. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma.

Arlene is survived by her husband Thomas of almost 70 years; children; Kelvin (Paula), Roger, Delores (Jeff) Aldinger, and Les (Vicky) Smith; Grandchildren Brian (Molly) Smith, Kyle (Rachel) Smith, Ashley and Nick Aldinger, Quentin and Marshall Smith; Great Grandchildren Kailee and Jaxon Smith and Addie Smith.  Also survived by sisters Doris Thorson, Lila Bruun, and Marie (Mike) Porter, and brother Robert (Audrey) Burr and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law Cliff Thorson and Arley Bruun.   

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank the Bemidji Sanford Hospice staff for their loving care they provided to Arlene.

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