Arlene Lesewski, age 90, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Interment will be on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall, Minnesota. The public is invited to the committal graveside service at 1:00 p.m. The Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall is handling the arrangements.
Arlene Julia Lesewski was born in Russell, Minnesota, on April 12, 1936, was the daughter of George and Lois (Grant) Dau. Arlene grew up and attended school in Lynd, Minnesota. She met Thomas Lesewski while still in high school. The couple was united in marriage on June 12, 1954, and were blessed with three children: Julia, Diana, and Jeffrey. Arlene and Tom made their home in Marshall while raising their children. They shared over 52 years of marriage together prior to Tom’s death in 2007. Arlene continued living in Marshall and recently, when she needed more assistance with her daily care, moved to Morningside Heights. Arlene cherished her strong conservative values and was proud of her work as a Minnesota State Senator for ten years and she chaired the Lyon County Republican Party. Arlene also served as assistant to Robert Johnson at Southwest State University and she held other positions such as Executive Secretary for David Weiner, the President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Marshall Foods Inc. Arlene also had a strong faith and was a devoted Catholic. She belonged to Council of Catholic Women, Catholic Daughters, and Holy Redeemer Church. Her other enjoyments in life included fishing, bowling, reading, and gardening – often canning her vegetables.
Arlene Lesewski died peacefully on October 22, 2026. She reached the age of 90 years, 6 months, and 10 days. Blessed and eternal be her memory.
She is survived by her 3 children, Julia (and Ronald) Tretter of Hillman, Diana Rader (and Gordan Skogan) of Tyler, Jeffrey (and Vicki) Lesewski of Minnetrista; 6 grandchildren, Matthew Leaf, Tanya Popowski, Beth (and Curt) Kranz, Brooke (and Mick) Havrilla, Jacob Lesewski (and Shekinah Hanson), Jordan Lesewski (and Mikayla Weyhrauch); 6 great-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Mercedees, Sawyer, Haven, Tasha, Seth; siblings, Donna (and Terrence) Cultra, Dick (and Marian) Dau; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, George & Lois Dau; husband, Thomas Lesewski; and siblings, Gene Dau, Darlene Snyder, and Wayne Dau.
