Arlene Elsom

Arlene Lois Elsom, 87, Billings, was called home by Jesus on January 31st, 2025.

Arlene Lois Bergan was born on October 13, 1937 to Lilian (Knudsvig) and Arnold Bergan at a birthing home in Dunn County, North Dakota.

On the family ranch where they lived, Arlene was the oldest child; she was followed by her sisters Mavis and Louise, and later by her brother Allan. Arlene's childhood companions included cows, calves, chickens, mice and two family dogs: Mike the collie, and Tiny. Starting at five years old, Arlene rode bareback on her horse, Babe, back and forth to grade school each day. Her love for animals remained with her always. At a young age Arlene also made her first friend: a nearby girl named Shirley Bice. Shirley would grow up to become a teacher, and the two would remain lifelong friends.

In 1946, the family moved to Dickinson, ND. As a 15-year-old member of the 4H Club, Arlene began her lifelong hobby of sewing. During summers she attended bible camp in nearby Medora. Arlene loved bible camp; she relished meeting new people and the feeling of spreading her wings away from home.

Arlene graduated from Central High School in Dickinson. She then attended Bismarck Junior College, where she earned her nursing degree, RN.

In the early 1960s, Arlene met a young math teacher named Gary Elsom in Dickinson. The two dated and were married on June 1st, 1963. They moved to St. Louis where they had their first daughter, Inger, in 1966. They then moved to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and then to Bellevue, Nebraska, where their second daughter, Karen, was born in 1969.

Arlene found great fulfillment in being at home and raising her two girls. When the girls were in elementary school, Arlene took a trip with a church group, visiting her ancestral homeland of Norway, along with other Scandinavian countries. When the girls were in high school, Arlene revved up her sewing machine, making costumes for school plays, uniforms for the dance team and a spirit banner for the marching band. Later, Arlene got a job at Northwest Fabrics & Crafts where she taught sewing classes and made dresses for proms, weddings and local fashion shows. For Karen's wedding, she used her talents to make five bridesmaid dresses, as well as all the silk flower arrangements.

Gary and Arlene always enjoyed traveling, whether it was a simple Sunday drive or long haul to Alaska via the AlCan Highway. As the years went on, Arlene became a loving grandmother to her three grandchildren: Josh, Julia and Kendra. She was unfailingly kind, patient and encouraging with them, just as she was with everyone.

Gary and Arlene moved to Billings in 2010. At family gatherings you could always count on Arlene's hearty macaroni salad, and if she was the host you could count on delicious homemade meals served in extremely generous portions. Also in Billings, Arlene was a loving “dog mom” to two King Charles Cavalier Spaniels: Lulu and Max.

Arlene's health started to fail when she reached her 80s, but what never failed was her kindness, her patience, her love of family, her concern for the well-being of others, and her faith; they remained with her to the end, and they will forever set an example for those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Arlene is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gary, Billings; two daughters, Inger (Mike) Curtis, Billings, and Karen (Paul) Howe, Monument, CO; three grandchildren, Josh and Julia Howe, and Kendra Curtis; two sisters, Mavis (James) Taecker, South Shore, SD and Louise Muecke of Gladstone, ND; sister-in-law Lamae (Allan) Bergan, Beulah, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Garnet and Grace Elsom; brother Allan; brother-in-law, Ralph Muecke; and her beloved Cavaliers, Lulu and Max.