Arlene Soper Obituary Arlene Dee (Ose) Soper March 29, 1936 December 10, 2024 Arlene Dee (Ose) Soper, 88, of Brainerd, MN, passed away unexpectedly following a sudden illness, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 29, 1936, in Wood Lake, MN, to Albert and Gladys Ose, Arlene lived a life dedicated to family, faith, and the joy of teaching. Arlene attended Mankato State, where she earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education. It was here that she met Harold. They married on July 2, 1960, and together they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. They spent their first three years of married life in Pensacola, FL. In 1963, they moved back to Minnesota and lived in the Twin Cities. Arlene continued her career nurturing young minds by teaching kindergarten and first grade. In 1971, they moved to Brainerd, and shortly after, Arlene followed her passion for early childhood education by founding the Learning Tree Nursery School at First Lutheran Church. In retirement, Arlene and Harold moved from Brainerd to their cabin on Green Lake in Spicer, MN. Here she found great joy in time spent with family and friends. The couple spent their winters in Orange Beach, AL, where they escaped the snow and cultivated many cherished friendships. In 2015, Arlene and Harold moved back to Brainerd to be closer to their children. A woman filled with energy and faith, Arlene was an avid reader and loved playing cards, participating in Bible Study Fellowship, socializing with friends and neighbors, and staying active at the YMCA through water aerobics. Arlene is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Harold Soper; her children, Lisa (Mike) Vinje, Steve (Anita) Soper; her grandchildren, Ashley (Mike) Wesley, Steve Soper Jr., Kayla (Nils) Johnson, and Blake Vinje; and her great-grandson, Finn Wesley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Gladys Ose. In lieu of flowers, it was Arlenes wish that donations be made to the Rock Valle Cemetery Fund, c/o Stan Schmitt, 6124 N. 210th Ave, Echo, MN 56237 or to their charity of choice. Her kindness, joy, and unwavering faith touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends. Private family services will be held. Family and friends are invited to gather for a public visitation on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 4-6pm at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home. Services Visitation Thursday December 19, 2024 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Nelson-Doran Funeral Home 202 8th Avenue NE Brainerd, MN 56401