Sister Arlene Kleemann, O.S.B

Sister Arlene Kleemann, 80, died peacefully at the Monastery on June 24, 2024 in her 61st year of monastic profession. Born January 2, 1944 to George and Evelyn (Heyden) Kleemann, she and her brother George grew up in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Invited by her 7th grade Benedictine teacher to visit the Benedictine motherhouse in Duluth, she began considering a vocation, and in 1961 entered St. Scholastica Monastery. As a novice she took the name Georgemarie after her father and brother. She made her first monastic profession in 1963 and her perpetual profession in 1966, celebrating her 60th jubilee in 2023. She eventually returned to her baptismal name.

She earned a BA in Education and Music in 1966 from The College of St. Scholastica and became a beloved teacher and principal at St. James Elementary School in West Duluth. Returning to her home parish in Chicago, she was teacher and principal there until the school closed, then taught at several other schools for a total of forty years. She also earned an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University in 1983. Sister Arlene completed her ministry at St. Mary of the Lake in the North Loop neighborhood, teaching children of recent immigrants from around the world and helping their families adjust to a new life. In 2023 Sister Arlene returned to Duluth. She is survived by her brother George (Sandi) Kleemann, nieces, nephews, many close friends, and the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery.

Wake service/Morning Prayer with visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 with Father Corbin Eddy presiding and interment in Gethsemane Cemetery at the Monastery.