Arlene H. Gilster

Obituary

Arlene Hilda (Heimkes) Gilster was born on December 3, 1939, in Hancock Township, Carver County, Minnesota. She was the only child of Erwin and Hilda (Rolf) Heimkes. Arlene was baptized on December 21, 1939, and later confirmed in her faith on March 29, 1953, both at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hamburg, MN. Her confirmation verse was “The Lord is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. Arlene attended Central High School in Norwood Young America, MN graduating with the class of 1957. On September 9, 1961, Arlene was united in marriage to John Gilster at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hamburg. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Michelle, who was her pride and joy. They shared 61 years of marriage when John passed away on February 17, 2023.

Arlene and John first farmed with John’s dad until 1963 when they moved to Arlene’s home farm and began their own dairy operation.  Arlene enjoyed working side by side with Johnny, doing chores and in the fields. They continued to operate the farm until 1986 when they retired from farming. In 1988, Arlene began working at Telex Communications in Glencoe retiring in 2003.  They moved to Glencoe in 1991. Arlene was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg where she volunteered in many capacities. She was also a member of the Glencoe VFW Auxiliary Post #5102 and the Glencoe Senior Citizen’s Club.

Arlene enjoyed traveling, playing cards, fishing and bowling. Her and Johnny were able to travel more after selling the farm. They visited Germany, Australia, and New Zealand but Arlene most enjoyed their many visits to Branson, MO and attending shows, especially the Christmas shows. They would head south to warm up during the winter months, visiting Florida and Arizona. Arlene enjoyed scouring the FL beaches for shells and sand dollars.  She had fond memories of the time they spent at their seasonal camper at “Cozy Corners” on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes for over 20 years. With these activities came many friendships, new and old, all of which she cherished. 

Arlene will be remembered for her kind, sweet and generous demeanor. She left a room brighter than when she entered and delighted in making others laugh. Arlene always had a smile on her face; ready with a joke or a memorable one-liner delivered in her signature deadpan style. If you visited her, you likely enjoyed a Grasshopper. Arlene will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her spirit will live on in every laugh and kindness we share.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband; parents; father-in-law and mother in-law John & Dora Gilster; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Mavis and Herb Gjerde, Carol and Don Ward and Paul Nagel; nephew Scott Nagel.

Arlene is survived by her loving family: daughter, Michelle (Tracy Johnson) Gilster; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Vonnie Nagel, Gary and Joyce Gilster; nephews and nieces, cousins, many friends and Arlene’s special Granddog, Zoe, who allowed Grandma to take her to all the good treat stops at GlenFields.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at GlenFields Living with Care for the compassionate care Arlene received.  They were Arlene’s extended family and she became theirs. May Arlene’s famous one-liners live on.