Arlene Bryson

Arlene Grace Bryson, (88 years old and still living in rural Alden) passed away, Monday- May 15, 2017 with her family at her home after complications from a heart attack in April.
Arlene enjoyed watching baseball, football and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries! She was proud to be a registered nurse and worked for 42 years at the Wells Hospital.

Her family, friends and time spent outdoors brought her great joy.
Arlene was the oldest daughter born to Carl and Fern (Fogue) Monson on August 29, 1928. She grew up on a farm near Leland Iowa and walked two miles to country school until it was time for high school. She then moved into town and lived with her grandmother, Annie Fogue. Arlene was a hard worker on the farm, waitress at the restaurant where Annie was the cook and played girls half-court basketball. After graduating from Forest City High School in 1946 she continued her education at the Naeve School of Nursing in Albert Lea. She achieved her Registered Nurse credentials with the class of 1949. The annual luncheon of Naeve Alumni & Nurses' Club was the highlight of her year. She loved sharing stories of nursing through the years… after all, she was from back in the day when they counted drips on the I.V.s, recycled by autoclaving instruments, sharpened needles to be used again and used 'real' thermometers!
As one of the original employees of the newly built Wells Municipal Hospital that opened in 1950, Arlene was involved with assembling beds & furniture, stocking shelves, stocking the emergency room and preparing for the first patients. During the baby-boom in the 1950's so many babies were born in Wells that they ran out of bassinets and converted peach crates for the newborns. She enjoyed the community, staff and nursing and worked there for 42 years until it closed in 1992.
Arlene was united in marriage to William Hans Bryson on April 2, 1950 at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, Iowa.
Together Arlene & Bill operated their 376-acre grain and livestock farm in Freeborn County until they retired from farming in 1994. They were active in the maintenance of their land resources as part of their personal mission to leave something wild & natural for future generations.
Family time and a love of camping & travel included vacations to Lake Kabatogama, the north shore of Lake Superior, Yellowstone during the '59 earthquake, Arizona, Colorado, the Rockies, Canada and 11 adventures to Alaska are cherished trips.
A pinnacle decade in their life was the lawsuit cited as Freeborn County v. Bryson. After two trips to the Minnesota State Supreme Court, they stopped a road from going through a marsh they had purchased and enhanced for wildlife. This landmark case, tried under the new Minnesota Environmental Rights Acts, highlighted the significance of protecting wetlands and brought National recognition to them.
Together the Bryson's were avid birdwatchers and active in many conservation groups including the Minnesota Ornithologist Union, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, national and local Audubon Society and Parks & Trails. Arlene volunteered with Naeve Partners in Health, as president of the Soil and Water Auxiliary, served as a Sunday School Teacher, on the Conger Mother's Club, Music Mother's, and as a 4-H Health Leader. She enjoyed the neighborhood "Birthday Club", Crossroads Campers Club, travel at the 'drop of a hat' and helping others.
Arlene is survived & greatly missed by her children -Bill Jr. (Barb), Don (Linda) and Ann (Wayne Olson), grandchildren –Bill (Erin) Bryson III, Katie (Tim) Burns, Teresa (Dave) Malakowsky, Erik (Erica) Bryson, Becca Bryson, Bryse Olson, Maurene Olson and Donovan Olson, great grandchildren –Emily (Justin) More, Amelia (Colin) Wittmer, Avery Malakowsky, Sophia Malakowsky, Abby Grace Burns, and Vera & Audrey Bryson. Sisters -Carol Engstler & Bonnie Berndt; brother Roger Monson (Eva Tribel); in-laws, Robert & Delores Bryson; sister-in-law, Mavis Bryson, plus numerous other family & friends.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2014, parents, Carl & Fern Monson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence & Hulda Bryson; sister, Maxine Sears; brother, Marvin Monson, brothers-in-law George Berndt, Lawrence Engstler, Max Boulton, Warren Sears and Lawrence Richard Bryson; nephews, Guy Robert Bryson, Mike, Mark and Marty Boulton, Bill Trosper, Kevin and Douglas Engstler; niece, Elizabeth Bryson; grandniece, Kayla Engstler.
During her recent hospital stays she informed the staff she was, "B.C." – before computers, and also penicillin! Back in the day nurses were always wearing a bright white nurses cap, white uniform, white stockings and white shoes. No nail polish, perfume or make-up allowed. When the roads were bad in the winter, Arlene would stay at the hospital for extended shifts for several days at a time as the roads were unpassable. She shared the night shift with a great group of nurses, nursing aides and distinguished medical doctors. Caring for others was always her priority. She was quick to smile and share a kind word with all. She loved sharing stories of working in a 32-bed Hospital, growing up & living on a farm, and family adventures. Chores were made into games and contests. Just as well enjoy being together no matter what the task at hand.
Arlene chose to be at home for her last days with her family. She always had a bright smile with those cheery dimples. Her great sense of humor and kind words were a joy to all.
Visitation will be Thursday- May18, 2017 at Bonnerups in Albert Lea from 4-7 pm. The funeral will be held 10 am, Friday- May 19, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. Visitation is also one hour prior to her service.