Arlene Jean Meyer

ARLENE JEAN MEYER

February 20, 1938 – September 7, 2019

                Arlene Jean Meyer, age 81, a long-time Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternity on Saturday morning, September 7, 2019 surrounded by her loved ones at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids. 

                Arlene was born on February 20, 1938 to William G. and Ovidia (Vange) Martinson near Rochert, MN in rural Becker County.  She attended Becker County Country schools, graduating the eighth grade from the District 77 Country School near Rochert.  Her family then moved to Detroit Lakes where she went on to attend high school, graduating with the class of 1956.  On December 1^st, 1956, Arlene was united in marriage to Verne W. Meyer in Ogema, MN.  Their union was blessed with four children:  Cheryl, William Verne who died in infancy, Keith and John.  The young couple made their home in the Detroit Lakes area until 1964 when they moved to the Park Rapids area.  Arlene was a wonderful cook and baker who will long be remembered for her delicious homemade breads.  Each spring, Arlene enjoyed planting a large vegetable garden measuring up to 2.5 acres in size.  With the help of her children, the garden was nurtured into fruitful abundance to can for the needs of her growing family.  She also raised many beautiful flower gardens and always enjoyed many house plants. In addition to caring for her family, Arlene sold Avon products throughout the Park Rapids area for many years. She enjoyed creating beautiful beadwork and would always make something special for newborn grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   She and Verne faithfully volunteered their time to work in the concession stands at all the home football games to help raise money for student projects.  Arlene had a strong faith in the Lord and was a faithful member of the Riverside United Methodist Church where she taught both Sunday School and release time classes.  She enjoyed traveling and took several bus tours to Branson, MO and Nashville, TN.  Throughout her life, she loved her dogs and cats and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and other wildlife that graced her yard.  Above all, she devoted her entire life to her family whom she loved with all her heart.

                She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Cheryl (Jerry) White and her two sons: Keith (Joann) Meyer and John Meyer all of Park Rapids; her four grandchildren: Louis Paul Johnson II, Kimberly Meyer and William Meyer all of Park Rapids and Ashley Johnson of Frenchtown, MT; eighth precious great-grandchildren; her sister, Judy Nelson of Osage; two brothers: David Martinson and Dean Martinson both of Detroit Lakes; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

                Arlene was preceded in death by her infant son, William Verne in 1959; her husband, Verne in 1987; her parents, William and Ovidia Martinson; four sisters: Helen Seidell, Esther Jorgenson, Carol Mott and Marilyn Honer; her three brothers: Douglas Martinson, Bobby Martinson and Dale Martinson and her two great-grandchildren: Hunter Johnson and Alex Johnson.

                Funeral services will be held 2 PM Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids with the Reverend Chip Nielsen officiating.  Penelope Jensen will be the organist.  The casket bearers will be Louis Johnson II, Jeff Martinson, “Little” Jeff Martinson, Scott Martinson, Dean Martinson, and Harlan Seidell.  Honorary casket bearers will be her remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment will be made in the Meyer family plot at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. Following the service, a light luncheon will be hosted by the church. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday evening at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and will continue at the church on Thursday beginning one hour prior to the service.  To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson .com