Arlene M. Miller

Arlene Miller, 88, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on the morning of June 7, 2022, at Eventide on Eighth Care Center in Moorhead, MN.

Arlene Marcelle Skretvedt Volker Miller (Bjerke) was born on January 16, 1934, during a blizzard to parents Thom G. and Lillian (Lee) Skretvedt. The midwife delivered her at their home in Traill County, ND. The doctor did not get there until three days later.

She grew up in the Gary, MN, area and graduated from Gary High School in 1951. She went to Moorhead State Teachers College, received her Associates degree in 1953 and started teaching in Lake Park, MN. She returned to Moorhead State Teachers College and received her Bachelors degree in 1958. She taught kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary in Fargo, ND. Later, she was a kindergarten teacher in Pelican Rapids, MN. She was also the elementary school librarian and worked with the Head Start program in Pelican Rapids.

Many of Arlene’s interests involved music, singing, and dancing. She loved to sing Karaoke, which often included her own songs, accompanying herself on the omnichord. Other interests included bingo, bargain hunting, and most of all, the color BLUE.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Thom and Lillian Skretvedt; brothers, Vernon (Charlotte) Skretvedt, Gordon (Janet) Skretvedt, Spencer Skretvedt, and Merlin Skretvedt; and her infant grandson, Jon David Aarsvold. She was also preceded in death by former husband, Robert Volker (father to Mara and Michelle); former husband, Ronald Miller (father to Michael); and husband, Arnold Bjerke.

Arlene is survived by her children, Mara (Joel) Trygstad, Michelle (Jon) Aarsvold, and Michael Miller; grandchildren, Jordan Trygstad, Megan Aarsvold, Amy (Brandon) Porter, Emily Aarsvold, Jacob Aarsvold, Alyssa Aarsvold, Henry Miller, and Calvin Miller. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Zelda Skretvedt and Daphne Skretvedt; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 1-2 PM followed by a memorial service at 2:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

In honor of Arlene, the family requests that guests wear something blue.

Online guestbook, video tribute and a livestream of the service can be found here on Arlene’s obituary page.