Arleen Marie Paluch, age 94, of Lake Shaokatan, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family, on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Hendricks Hospital in Hendricks, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, MN. Burial will be in the St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery, Wilno. A Rosary will be at 4:30 pm with visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 pm followed by a 7:00 pm Prayer Service on Wednesday, July 22nd at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, MN. Visitation will resume Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Hendricks, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Arleen Marie (Brunner) Paluch, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family, leaving behind a lifetime of faith, love, and countless memories shared around kitchen tables, card games, and family gatherings. Arleen was born on May 15, 1932, in Regal, Minnesota, to Arthur and Loretta (Causin) Brunner. She was baptized and received her First Communion in Regal before later being confirmed at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. She graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud in 1950 and went on to attend nursing training at St. Joseph Hospital, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Mankato, as well as hospitals in Glencoe and Canby, where she cared for others with the compassion and dedication that defined her life. On February 15, 1958, Arleen married the love of her life, Paul Peter Paluch, in Flensburg, Minnesota, where the ceremony was officiated by the groom’s uncle, Father Paul Otto. Together they built a life on the family farm near Lake Shaokatan, where Arleen embraced her role as a farm wife with grace, hard work, and an open heart. Her home was one where everyone felt welcome, a hot meal was never far away, and the cookie jar was always full. Faith was the foundation of Arleen’s life. She was a devoted member of St. John Cantius Catholic Church, serving in countless ways over the years—as a CCD helper, president, vice president, and treasurer of the Altar Rosary Society, Eucharistic Minister, funeral committee member, and participant in the Rose Group and St. Andrew Rose Group. Many knew her as a true prayer warrior, someone whose faith quietly strengthened everyone around her. Arleen’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, generous hospitality, fierce love for her family, and a life well lived. She reminded us that the best conversations happen around the kitchen table, that a fresh batch of cookies can brighten any day, and that a life rooted in faith leaves an enduring mark on everyone it touches. When asked what she enjoyed most, Arleen’s answer was simple: cooking, baking, canning, grandchildren, playing cards, going to the casino, and visiting with people. Anyone who knew her would agree that “visiting with people” was an understatement. Arleen could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a gift for storytelling—whether you were ready to listen or not. She always had an interesting fact she’d heard on WCCO, a story to tell, or a memory to share. She kept everyone on their toes, and you never quite knew what she was going to say next. She was also a legendary card player who never turned down a game, no matter the hour. Family members quickly learned that sitting across the table from Arleen meant bringing their best game. And if you were lucky enough to visit, chances are you left with homemade cookies, one of her famous Tweety Rolls, or both. Though small in stature, Arleen was truly mighty—in faith, in determination, and in love for her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with those she loved.
Arleen is survived by her children, Timothy (Julie) Paluch of Pierre, SD, Dale (Mickie) Paluch of Lake Shaokatan, and Roger (Julia) Paluch of Linton, ND; her eight beloved grandchildren, Krystal, Brooke, Ashley, Stephanie, Haley, Austen, Parker, and Makilie; three step-grandchildren Nathan, Drew, and Kollin Wildeman; and eight cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her twin sister, Aileen; her younger sister, Lavonne Lommel; her brother-in-law, Eugene Paluch; her sister-in-law, Terri Brunner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear family friends, including the Guggisberg family, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; her parents, Arthur and Loretta; her brother, DuWayne Brunner; daughter-in-law Connie Paluch; her nephew, Ed (Gail) Balzer; and her brother-in-law, Joe Lommel.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.
