Arlene Lois Bushie

Arlene Lois Bushie, 83, of Crookston, MN, passed away Friday morning, October 28, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston with family at her side. She had been bravely battling bouts of recurring cancer for many years.

Arlene was born in Twin Valley, MN on September 26, 1939, the daughter of Alfred and Ella (Olman)      Slette. She grew up on her parent’s farm near Twin Valley, together with her brother, Lloyd, and sister, LaVern, and was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Arlene participated in her local 4-H club for many years, was educated in Twin Valley public schools, and graduated from Twin Valley High with the Class of 1957. While growing up she always aspired to be a nurse so off she went after graduation to attend Crookston’s Agassiz School of Nursing. Arlene lived in a home for nursing students that was located across from the school, and which today is the site of the Oak Court Apartments. Arlene excelled in the classroom and on the patient floors and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse a year later. She then began her career at Bethesda Hospital. After meeting the love of her life, Wallace Edward Bushie, the two were united in marriage on November 2, 1963 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Faith, MN, near Twin Valley. They made their home in Crookston where they shared their love for vegetable gardening, canning what they harvested, and going fishing whenever they could. Just so they could be together was all that mattered. Sadly, Wally passed away all too soon on February 13, 1988.

Arlene continued to dedicate her life to nursing at Bethesda Hospital, which later became known as Riverview Hospital. She retired after a long and very successful career spanning over 4 decades. Arlene shared her later years after Wally’s passing with his cousin, Harold Huggs, who became a good friend and companion. She was a longtime member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and American Legion Auxiliary. For as long as her health allowed Arlene enjoyed being outdoors where she could listen to the birds and tend her garden. She had a great love for animals throughout her life and for many years was a collector of owl knickknacks.

Arlene’s faith was the center of her life. When her cancer sometimes became almost too much to bear she would often tell her beloved caregiver of many years, her grandnephew, Jamie Knutson, that she prayed to be taken home to be with her Lord. Arlene will be very sadly missed by all who were part of her life.

Arlene is lovingly survived by her sister, LaVern Samshal, of Crookston; sister-in-law, Bonnie Slette, of East Grand Forks, MN; grandnephew, James “Jamie” Knutson of Crookston; nieces and nephews: Debbie Knutson and Gary Knutson of Crookston, Ronnie Samshal (Judy) of Moorhead, MN, Diane Riopelle (Scott) of Crookston, Stacy Slette (Mike Meyer) of Washington, D.C., and Scott Slette of Wheaton, IL;  8 grandnieces and grandnephews; 12 great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews; the Bushie and Huggs extended families; and many dear friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by Wally, her beloved husband of 24 years; her friend of over 20 years, Harold Huggs; parents, Alfred and Ella Slette; brother, Lloyd Slette; and brother-in-law, Milan Samshal. Blessed be the memory of Arlene Lois Bushie.

In keeping with Arlene’s wishes a private family service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place in the Oakdale Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the family c/o James Knutson, 1226 South Front Street, Crookston, MN 56716. Messages of condolence may be offered to the family on Arlene’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com.