Arlene Mae Lewis, age 95, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on her 95th birthday, May 8, 2026, at Trinity Care Center in Farmington.

Arlene was born on May 8, 1931, in Rosemount to William and Clara (Menzhuber) Bartelt. She graduated from Rosemount High School in 1949. She later met and married the love of her life, John Lewis of Lakeville, who had recently returned home after serving in the Navy during the Korean War. They were united in marriage on August 29, 1959, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lakeville, where they began building a life rooted in love, laughter, friendship, and strong family values.

Throughout the years, Arlene worked as a secretary for the Rosemount and Lakeville School Districts and later for the City of Lakeville in several roles before retiring from the City of Lakeville Public Works Department.

Arlene and John were deeply involved in VFW Post 210 and American Legion Post 44 in Lakeville. Arlene proudly served the VFW in many capacities, including President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Treasurer, and Chaplain. Together, they participated in countless Memorial Day and Pan-O-Prog parades and were active in the annual cemetery tours honoring veterans.

Arlene found joy in life's simple pleasures and never turned down a good time. She loved camping, bowling, BINGO, bean-bag toss (long before it was called cornhole), card games of every kind, pull-tabs, happy hour, and going out to eat with family and friends. She was always ready for a little friendly gambling and a cold drink shared with the people she loved most. She also enjoyed watching Westerns — especially anything starring John Wayne — listening to Lawrence Welk, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. Arlene will be remembered for her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, in 1997; her parents, William and Clara Bartelt; siblings Dorothy (August) Hinrichs, Lois "Lolly" Lomas, and Lloyd "Whitey" (Patty) Bartelt.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Shari (Jim) McKnight and Sandi (Tim) Sauber; grandchildren Jamie (Nick) Lesher, Hayley (Judd) Jacobson, and Tara Sauber; great-grandchild Sutton Jacobson; and baby Lesher, expected at the end of August. She is also survived by her brother Allen (Cindy) Bartelt; brother-in-law Dale Lomas; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 PM at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Tr., Lakeville, MN. Interment at Lakeville Grove Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com