Arlene Peterson

Arlene Kathryn Tabaka Peterson, age 95, of Pine River, passed away August 12, 2022. Arlene was born on May 29, 1927, at the Walker Hospital to Ray and Vera (Ellis) Tabaka of Longville, MN. She grew up in Longville with her younger brother, Raymond.

While in high school, Arlene assisted her mom at the Longville Post Office during the Christmas mail rush. She attended college at Bemidji and St. Cloud, then returned to the Longville Garage where she did the bookkeeping for her dad until she moved to the Cities and worked for the senior vice president at New York Life and Casualty Company. Arlene met Bob Peterson of Hackensack at the dance club on Hwy 200; they married three months later and raised five children in Hackensack and Pine River. Arlene did the bookkeeping for Peterson Plumbing Heating and Construction and later worked for the Pine River Housing Authority and for the Brainerd Library. Arlene enjoyed cooking, sewing, playing cards, dancing, and entertaining her family and friends. She is survived by her children: Joan Helms (Rodney), Carol Johnson (Jim Blanchard), Bruce (Marilyn), Carl (Shari), Jerry (Brenda); 17 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren who will miss her smiling face and hugs!

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, August 21, with visitation at 1:00, at Kline Funeral Home in Pine River.