Arlene Zurn

Arlene M. Zurn (nee Paul) Age 85 - beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Arlene was born on September 8, 1935, to Alfred Dietrich Paul and Agnes Antonia Paul. Arlene grew up on the east side of St Paul, Minnesota with three sisters (Anita Lindbom, Andrea Smith, and Arvilla Lang) and two brothers (Al Paul and Arnold Paul). As a graduate of Harding High School, class of 1953, she went on to work at 3M. Arlene and Robert Anthony Zurn (Bob) married in 1957. She devoted herself to raising their family of eight children. They built a life together in White Bear Lake and later in Vadnais Heights, MN. She was a wonderful mother, even earning a ‘homemaker of the week’ award in the White Bear Press in 1975. As the kids grew older, she worked as a waitress/hostess at North Oaks Golf Club. After the kids all moved on, Arlene took several jobs in clerical positions at various firms around White Bear Lake. She continued to practice her Catholic faith and volunteer at St. Mary of the Lake Church. Where she really shined was around her kids and grandkids. After retiring, she then dedicated her time to help raise and care for her grandchildren along with spending time “up at da lake” in Merrifield, MN, where she and Bob bought a lake cabin years before. Arlene was always quick with a charming laugh and a welcoming smile. When you met Arlene, you couldn't help but love her. Nobody ever heard her speak an unkind word toward others. A phrase she would often repeat sums up what she valued, “Be nice, be kind, be sweet, be fine!” Arlene was more concerned about others' comfort and happiness than her own so when she began her struggle with dementia in 2016 it was especially hard for her. In 2018, Arlene moved to join the Homestead at Maplewood as a memory-care resident. After her recent battle with pneumonia and sepsis on September 21, 2020, her mind and body are at peace. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Anthony Zurn in 1993. Arlene is survived by: Cheryl Schistad (Olaf) - Line Birgitta (great grandchildren - Nora, Mina, Emil) Darryl Zurn (Hiroko Nagai) - Hannah, Kent Nancy Zurn - Steve, Evan, Beatrice, Cedric Mary Zurn (Larry Imperiale) - Jade (great grandchildren - Simon, Ruby) Rob Zurn (Sharon) - Kyler, Noah Lynda Zurn (Scott Mertz) - Kaylin, Abbey Julie Zurn-Pfaffendorf (Bil) - Will, Ava Scott Zurn - Aidan, Chloe, Gavin, Grayson Memorials may be sent to St. Mary of the Lake Church or the Red Cross. Visitation 2-4PM on Sunday, September 27 and prior to Mass from 9-10:30AM on Tuesday, September 29, both at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Mass of Christian Burial 11AM on Tuesday, September 29 at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Due to Covid guidelines, Mass is restricted to 100 people including family members. Masks are required at all events. Private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. If you are unable to attend services or do not feel comfortable attending services, any memorials or cards may be sent to the funeral home; attn: family of Arlene Zurn.