Arlene Sorlie

Arlene May Sorlie, 84, formerly of W Morgan St., died Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Viewcrest Health Center, Duluth. Arlene was born January 31, 1930 in Weher Hospital in Duluth to Bert and Olga (Carlson) Larum and was raised in Mahtowa, moving to Duluth at the age of 14. She married John Sorlie in December of 1959. Arlene was known as the "Avon Lady" and founded Sorlie Acoustics Inc. with her husband John. She was a former member of Salem Lutheran Church in Mahtowa. Arlene loved to work with yarn, knitting numberless pairs of mittens, scarves & hats for her growing boys, crocheting countless baby afghans as well as several beautiful crewel stitched pictures. She was also a gifted bowler, playing on the "Country Chicks" league at Ridgeview and Country Lanes for many years where STRIKE! was often heard when she threw the ball. She also loved the excitement of hearing the bells & whistles of winning machines at casinos, which happened often for the "lucky lady"! Most of all, Arlene loved spending time with her family and friends, with one on one birthday shopping trips with each of her grandchildren, her monthly "Sewing Club" group and casino buddies Wayne & Vera. With Arlene, the coffee pot was always on and the accompanied cookie jar or banana bread container full, never too busy to stop what she was doing and chat awhile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Olga; first husband, Hank Hanson; siblings, Bud Larum and Eleanor Francis; sons, Don and Gary Hanson and grandson, Hunter Hanson.

Arlene is survived by her husband, John O. Sorlie; sons, Bruce (Joanne) Hanson, Rick (Cyndi) Hanson and Brian (Holly) Sorlie; 10 grandchildren, Jody, Laura, Carrie, Kim, Zach, Erin, Carlie, Shelby, Cody and Chase; 13 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special "thank you" to the staff at Viewcrest, especially Jody, and Heather from St. Mary's Hospice, for the loving care they gave to Arlene.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 12, 2014 beginning at 1pm with services at 2pm at Waters of Life Lutheran Church, 6221 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth, MN 55803.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Waters of Life Lutheran Church.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, (218) 727-3555