Arlene Sundell, age 99 of Odebolt, IA, passed away on November 23, 2024, at Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Ida Grove, IA. Arlene Joyce Stehr was born on March 28, 1925, to parents Henry and Freda (Schultz) Stehr in Odebolt. She was baptized on April 26, 1925, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boyer, IA, and confirmed there on June 5, 1938. Arlene attended country school through the 8th grade in Boyer and then high school in Wall Lake, IA, and Odebolt. She graduated from Odebolt High School with the class of 1942. Arlene continued her education at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, and North Colorado University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. Later, she attended the University of South Dakota where she earned her master’s degree. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and in 1971, received her permanent teacher’s certificate.
On July 28, 1948, Arlene was united in marriage to Robert Sundell at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boyer. This union was blessed with four children, Mark, Steve, Jon, and Kristin. The family lived in Wall Lake and Greely, CO, until 1950 when they moved to the family farm in Odebolt where they remained until moving to town in 1987. Arlene taught school for thirty-five years before retiring in 1987. She adored her students and simply loved teaching. She and Robert owned the local hardware store in Boyer which also kept her busy.
Arlene was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt where she held various offices and participated in Ladies Aid. She also served as church organist for many years. In her spare time, Arlene enjoyed crocheting and working on word puzzles. She loved painting and drawing as she was quite artistically talented. Most of all, Arlene enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved her children and adored her grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Sundell; parents Henry and Freda Stehr; parents-in-law: Anton and Minnie Sundell; brother Daryl (Donna) Stehr; sister Ardis (Norman) Schroeder; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Marilyn (Dale)Telleen, George Witte, and Nancy Stehr; and daughter-in-law Noreen Sundell.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Dr. Mark (Darlene) Sundell of Globe, AZ, Steve Sundell and special friend Natalie Braun of Maryville, IL, Dr. Jon Sundell and special friend Veronika Sitnikova of Pittston, PA, and Kristin Hansen of Schaller, IA; brother Rollyn Stehr of Burnsville, MN; sister Janice Witte of Schaller, IA; grandchildren: Jennifer (Sean) MacDonald, Christopher (Amy) Sundell, Steven Sundell and special friend Erin Doherty, Lindsay (Zach) Spector, Lisa (Jared) Carlson, Jill (Eric) Myrtue, Jeff (Megan) Hansen, Ryan Hansen and special friend Natalie Meyer; great-grandchildren: Ashyln MacDonald, Isabella, Connor, and Flynn Sundell, Ethan (special friend Blaney Miller), Braeden, Ava, and Dane Carlson, Cael (special friend Brooklyn Leitz), Blake, and Aiden Myrtue, Delainey (special friend Owen Worthan), Chayse, Graceyn, Kloey, and Payge Hansen, Abigayle (special friend Matt Scott), Matthew, and Taylor Hansen; great-great granddaughter Everleigh Myrtue; long-time special friend Virginia Linman; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church in Odebolt, IA, with Pastor Trish Underberg officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning at the church. Burial will be in the Odebolt Cemetery. Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Odebolt has been entrusted to care for Arlene and her family.
