Obituaries : Arlene Carls (nee Lillian Arlene Tornberg)

Arlene Carls (nee Lillian Arlene Tornberg), 96, of Vinton, Iowa, passed away peacefully, on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Vinton Lutheran Home.

Arlene was born July 27, 1928, in Beresford, SD, the daughter of Oscar and Lillian (Chadwick) Tornberg. She was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Arlene was a talented student and graduated as High School valedictorian. She was an accomplished soprano, pianist and clarinet player. Arlene taught her four children to sing, read, and play music. Her musical accomplishments included directing church youth and adult choirs, organizing and rehearsing instrumental groups, accompanying soloists and groups, teaching piano lessons, learning the pipe organ, participating in Albert Lea Community Theater productions including My Fair Lady (1970) and the Pirates of Penzance (1983), singing in the Franklin County Chorale, soloing in local productions of Handel's Messiah, and providing opportunities and encouragement for people of all ages to cultivate their musical talents.

During her years as a busy mother and homemaker, Arlene volunteered for many church and school jobs that needed to be done. She sewed beautiful clothing to display (and later wear) at large fabric stores much to her daughter's delight. She also helped mend and alter clothing and helped design and make beautiful banners for church.

In later years, Arlene found a place to use her skills at a large insurance agency in the Twin Cities. With frugal living and hard work she was able to purchase a home. She participated actively in her church, singing in the choir, participating in the Stephen's Ministry program and traveling to the Holy Land. Following a brain stem stroke, Arlene moved to Iowa to be closer to family where she made a full recovery and enjoyed living in Vinton. Her last employment was as a hospital registration clerk.

Whatever the season or circumstance, Arlene continued to live her life with strong faith, hope and trust in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Per her request, Arlene's body was donated to the University of Iowa Medical School a gift that will help medical students learn the skills they need to help others.

Survivors include daughter, Lois (Bill) Martin; sons: Mark (Kathleen) Carls, David, and Philip (Tammy Vogel); eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; siblings: Gordon Tornberg, Ruth Eirschele, Donald Tornberg, Larry (Mary Jo) Tornberg; brother-in-law, David Willey and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a still born son and siblings Carol Willey, Joyce Walmsley and Marjorie Klostergaard.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1206 C Avenue, Vinton, with Pastor Anne Williams officiating. Arlene's family invites all for lunch and fellowship following the service.

Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1206 C Avenue, Vinton, Vinton Public Library, 510 2nd Avenue, Vinton, HACAP Congregate Meals, 202 E 4th Street, Vinton, 52349 or the organization of your choice in memory of Arlene. Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.