Arlene Wetenkamp
Arlene Wetenkamp, 83, of Clearbrook, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab in Bagley, Minnesota.
Services will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Sunday, May 24, 2026, burial at the Clearwater Cemetery north of Clearbrook, Minnesota. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.
Arlene Wetenkamp was born on August 12, 1942, in Clearbrook, Minnesota, the daughter of Otto and Iona (Lund) Moen, where she was raised and later graduated from high school in 1960. She was the second of eight children and grew up on a hardworking family farm, where her parents instilled strong values, practical skills, and a deep appreciation for honest work. The family lived largely from what they raised, tending large gardens and caring for dairy cattle, pigs, and chickens.
On July 3, 1963, Arlene married Don Wetenkamp, in Gonvick, Minnesota. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family. Over the years, they made their home in several communities, including Minot, North Dakota; Red Lake Falls, Minnesota; Bagley, Minnesota; and Roundup, Montana. In 1969, they settled in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where they raised their family and lived for 25 years. In 1994, they returned to Bagley, Minnesota, which remained their home.
Arlene and Don were blessed with five children: Del (born 1964), Tammy (born 1965), Margie (born 1967), Cory (born 1970), and Karen (born 1974). She was a devoted and loving mother who taught her children the value of responsibility, often reminding them that after their work was done, they could enjoy their play.
Throughout her working years, Arlene was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. She worked as a cook in several cafés in Thief River Falls and later was employed at Arctic Cat, where she reworked fiberglass snowmobile parts and later transferred to the sewing department, helping produce snowmobile suits and accessories. She retired from Arctic Cat in 1994.
Faith was central to Arlene’s life. She cherished her Bible studies and her many friends at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Arlene loved evangelizing, spreading the word about God’s Kingdom, and discussing an exquisite hope for the earth to be a paradise under the reign of Jesus Christ. She dedicated much of her time to studying the Bible and she envisioned blessings to those who call upon the name of Jehovah God.
Arlene had many interests and creative talents. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, growing indoor plants and flowers, collecting knick-knacks, and visiting garage sales and thrift shops. She loved music and played the steel guitar while Don played his guitar, especially enjoying country music. Arlene wrote poems and songs in which she and Don set them to music. She also loved doing puzzles, which she would decoupage and frame.
Family was one of Arlene’s greatest treasures. She loved traveling to visit her children and grandchildren and carefully preserved hundreds of photographs that captured precious memories. Her home was filled with warmth, creativity, and love.
Arlene lived by her motto, “Get’er Done,” and exemplified it in every aspect of her life. She deeply valued friendship and family, always hoped for a better tomorrow, and consistently did what needed to be done. She treated everyone with kindness and dignity, never acting rude, selfish, or unkind. Her gentle spirit, humility, and unwavering love touched all who knew her.
Arlene will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, faithful servant of Jehovah God, and a woman of strength, creativity, and compassion. Her life was a beautiful example of quiet perseverance, steadfast faith, and unconditional love.
She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Arlene is survived by her children – Del (Leah) Wetenkamp of St. George, Utah; Tamera (Tim) Heinley of Moorhead; Margie Castle of Houston, Texas; Cory (Abigail) Wetenkamp of Vaughn, Washington; and Karen (Paul) Williams of Matthews, North Carolina. Her siblings – Joy Ann Wetenkamp, Frances Phelps, Roger Moen, Martin Moen, Mike Moen, and Linda Zeman.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband – Don Wetenkamp, her parents – Otto and Iona Moen, and a young brother – Steven Moen.
Messages of condolences can be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.