To view a livestream of the service access https://flcminot.com/view-worship/
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our beloved grandmother. Arlene Eleanor Berdahl, 99, Minot, died Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the very definition of selfless love—giving endlessly, forgiving freely, and never judging anyone who crossed her path.
Arlene was born July 27, 1926 to William Walter Juntunen and Clara Martinson, in Perth of Towner County, ND. Arlene was raised by her maternal grandparents. Growing up as a farm girl, hardworking was instilled in her.
Arlene was united in marriage to Donald Berdahl on December 2, 1944 in Lakota, ND. They made their home in Michigan from 1944 until 1955 when they moved to Minot, ND. Donald died June 30, 2009. She continued to live in Minot.
Arlene Berdahl, who as she rolled into her 90s, was not a woman who was sitting around waiting to check out. She tried to make it to the bingo hall at least one day every week where she would routinely play up to anywhere from 25 to 100 cards in a single game. She was a true Bingo Queen. Arlene would also try to make it to Walmart at least once a week, not so much to do any shopping, but more just to mingle with all the folks there. She always knew a couple of other folks there which was to be expected for someone who had spent over 70 years in Minot. She would have gone to Walmart more often, but somewhere in her early 90s, she gave up driving. She always considered Walmart like a little home away from home only with more walking room.
Arlene was a Gold Star Mother. Her oldest son, David, was listed as Killed in Action in early 1972 during the Vietnam war. Arlene stayed active with several Veterans Groups in his memory. She lived with the fact that his body has never been recovered, but in all the years since his death, she has not given up hope that he would one day return home.
Arlene was the mother of thirteen children: four boys and nine girls. And none of them ever truly left Arlene’s wingspan, even as they all expanded their own families. On any given day one or more of them would be visiting with Arlene while she talked to others on her cell phone or home phone. Sometimes on both phones at the same time. Those thirteen children grew their families, which at the last family reunion on Arlene’s 99th birthday, numbered well over one hundred or more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a couple of great-great-grandchildren who called Arlene grandma.
Arlene was the Matriarch of the Berdahl family, and her life was devoted to her family. Her presence made everyone feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. She poured her heart into her children and grandchildren, always putting their needs before her own. She was their greatest supporter, quiet strength, and constant source of comfort.
Arlene cherished every person she met, welcoming all with warmth and kindness. To know her was to feel accepted just as you were. Her compassion extended far beyond her family, touching friends, neighbors, and even strangers who were fortunate enough to encounter her gentle spirit. Every son, daughter, grandchild, great-grandchild, and sometimes just friends reached out to her in their times of crisis. Grandma, as she became known, always had soothing words and kind thoughts for them although occasionally she articulated those thoughts with a few salty words.
An amazing chef and homemaker, she expressed her love through the meals she prepared and the home she created. Her kitchen was a place of joy, laughter, and unforgettable flavors—where recipes were perfected with patience and served with love. Her home was always open, filled with warmth, care, and a sense of belonging.
We will miss Arlene’s fresh bread and rolls, and she canned a mean jar of pickles. There are many things that will remind us of her: The Golden Girls, ladybugs, trolls; all of which will forever be like little portals back to Grandma.
Before her bones got a little stiff on her, she loved to entertain everyone by playing a fast polka on the accordion or the piano. In her younger years she was always the first to grab a partner and dance a mean two step to the polka. And yes, those rumors about her dancing on the table on a night out just might be true.
Some people who live on this earth travel quietly through their years on this planet living a mundane but otherwise successful life. Others laugh loudly with joy, cry sorrowfully when sad, sing out loud with all their children, and dance with grace, emotion and wild abandon every time they get a chance. Arlene was one of those and we all thank God every day that we got to share some of those dances with her. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Arlene’s loving family includes her children Marlene Brandt, Minot, Marilynn Tayler, Azel, TX, Connie Marie Mercier, Walton, IN, Carol (Carl) Florez, St. Augustine, FL, Roxanne Keelan, Linda (Daniel) Seaman, Lorie Ann Meyer, all of Minot, Donald Berdahl, Mandan, ND and Cathy Jo Berdahl, Minot, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons David, Allan and Robert “Bobby” Berdahl, daughter Peggy Sheppard, grandsons Christopher and Michael Florez, son-in-law James Brandt and half-sisters Doris and Blanche Benson.
Celebration of Arlene’s Life: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service access https://flcminot.com/view-worship/
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Wednesday, February 4th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. or First Lutheran Church, Minot.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Arlene Berdahl, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
