Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Arlene Elvira Burns, 93, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, Ore. She was born on May 25, 1928, in Mound City, S.D., the daughter of John and Alma Brockel.
Growing up on a farm, she learned to be an excellent cook, seamstress, and the value of hard work. After graduation from Selby High School, Arlene attended Northern Normal College and earned her teaching degree. She moved to Condon, Ore., to teach fourth grade, and it was in Condon that she met Joe Burns, who had recently returned from the war. After their marriage in 1949, they moved to Hermiston, Ore., where Arlene taught at Sandstone school. They welcomed five children: Lynn, Dan, Bev, Paul and Kevin.
Arlene devoted her life to her family. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and “neighborhood Mom,” who had the best snacks for kids. In her “spare time” she enjoyed playing bridge in several clubs and later became a talented artist, painting in oil and acrylic. Reading and gardening were favorite hobbies; she especially delighted in tending to her roses. Joe and Arlene traveled to many places around the globe, including Alaska, the Panama canal, Australia, and Europe. Arlene loved her work with the Catholic Church, where she taught catechism for several years and with the Hospital Auxiliary, where she volunteered in the gift shop at Good Shepherd Hospital.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her siblings Marjory, Carroll, and Don, her grandson Shea and twin granddaughters Amy and April.
She is survived by her brother Harley Brockel, Selby, S.D.; daughters Lynn (Paul) Duus of Cornelius, and Bev (Alan) Eagy of The Dalles; and sons Dan (Cindi), Paul (Billie Jo) and Kevin (Darla), all of Hermiston. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and her longtime friend Mary Newman.
Recitation of the rosary followed by Mass of Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Hermiston, followed by burial at the Hermiston Cemetery. After the burial, a luncheon at the Parish Hall was prepared by the Catholic Daughters, of which Arlene was the oldest living charter member in Hermiston.
Those who wish may make contributions in Arlene’s memory to Our Lady of Angels Catholic Daughters of Hermiston.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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