Arlis L. Johnson

Published June 12, 2020 at 2:14 PM

Arlis L. Johnson, age 89, of Alexandria, died on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at Edgewood Senior Living in Alexandria under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice.

A private family funeral service was held Monday, June 15, 2020, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with Pastor Tim Schiller officiating.

Arlis Leola was born on February 6, 1931, to Rudolph and Irene (Brockopp) Riedel in Parkers Prairie and raised on the family farm. She was baptized on March 8, 1931, and confirmed on June 10, 1945, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Arlis graduated from Parkers Prairie High School. She was united in marriage to Donald Bremmer in 1951, and together they farmed three miles south of Parkers Prairie. They were blessed with two sons and in addition to being a homemaker she also worked at the Parkers Vet Clinic. Her husband died of a car accident on July 19, 1970. Following his death, Arlis continued raising her family and working for Dr. Palmer. She married Kenley Knudson in the fall of 1972, and together owned and operated Nibblers Inn and the Chevrolet Dealership in Parkers Prairie. Arlis moved to Alexandria in the mid 1980’s and started cleaning homes and working at Pete’s County Market. She also owned and operated a four plex apartment building where she mowed the grass, shoveled the snow, and gardened. She was united in marriage to Arnold “Arnie” Johnson in 1989, in Alexandria. Arlis retired from Pete’s when she was 78 years old and managed the apartments until moving into Edgewood Senior Living in the fall of 2019. Arlis excelled and lived by the motto of work, clean, and save money. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Donald, and Arnold; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna (Stan) Frendin, Nila (Earl) Erlander, Mibs (Dick) Spearing and Janice (Carl) Gabriel; and a niece, Sherry Riedel.

Arlis is survived by her two sons, Ryan (Connie) Bremmer of Alexandria and Howard (Mary) Bremmer of Buffalo; brother, Laurel (Jurlienne) Riedel of Parkers Prairie; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Risk, Dan Bremmer, Rob (Shawna) Bremmer, Jill (Jeff) Lemmerman, Kate (Mike) Lynner and twins, John (Michelle) Bremmer and Mark (Michaela) Bremmer; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are her grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are her great-grandchildren.

Arrangements provided by Lind Family Funeral & Cremation Services, lindfamilyfh.com.