Arlene M. Tarvainen's Obituary
Arlene M. Tarvainen, age 84 of Watton, MI passed away Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Bayside Village, L'Anse, MI. She was born in Ishpeming, MI on February 12, 1936 the daughter of the late Onnie and Helvie (Ahola) Syrjala. Arlene attended schools in Ishpeming, Iron River and Watton and graduated from L’Anse High School in 1954. Following high school graduation, she attended Concordia College in St. Paul Minnesota where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in teaching. She married Russell Tarvainen in Covington, MI on July 7, 1957. Arlene was the first teacher at BHK in the Old Red School House in L’Anse and she remained teaching with BHK for 34 years. Arlene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington where she was Sunday School Superintendent for 20 years and was a choir member. Arlene enjoyed watching westerns, housekeeping and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Arlene is survived by her loving husband Russell, children Kris Tarvainen of Watton, Becky Tarvainen of Stillwater, MN, and Beth Ann Tappy of Gainesville, FL., grandchildren Ryan (Tina) Tappy, Eric (Kyla) Tappy and Emily Tappy. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Michael Syrjala and her son-in-law Tom Tappy.
A graveside service and interment will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 in the Covington Cemetery.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
God needed another soprano for Christmas.
What’s your fondest memory of Arlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arlene?
Share a story where Arlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arlene you’ll never forget.
How did Arlene make you smile?
