ARLENE MAE HENJUM

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ARLENE MAE HENJUM Arlene Mae Henjum passed away on June 2, 2005 at the age of 71. Arlene was predeceased by her parents, Vigo and Anna Isenberg. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ray Henjum; by her son Rand (Kay); and daughter Kari (Brent) Underdahl; by brothers, Lloyd and Roger Isenberg; sister Lou Ann Donahue; and by grandchildren, Eric, Karen, Julie, Dana, Kristian and Kai. Arlene was born May 20, 1934, in Atwater, MN. She attended Atwater high school, after which she worked for B. F. Nelson in Minneapolis for three years. Then, while attending Augsburg College, she met Ray, who she married in 1956. They lived in Granite Falls, MN, Menomonie, WI, Madison, WI, Bozeman, MT and, for the last 37 years, in Winnipeg. She completed her bachelor of home economics at the University of Manitoba in 1971. She taught nutrition in the faculty of Dentistry and then was employed at Sears selling toys and then cameras. Later she demonstrated and instructed new customers in the use of their microwaves, sewing machines and sergers. Arlene was recognized by Evangelical Lutheran Women (ELW) as a person who, by the use of her talents and gifts, has significantly influenced and benefited the lives of women. Among the many citations of her religious church leadership activities, firstly for Lutheran Church Women (LCW), then for the newly formed Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and finally for the newly formed ELW, were the following: chair of the Manitoba District Assembly of LCW for four years. President of LCW, Central Canada Synod, for five years. She was the Canadian LCW participant for a 30 day international exchange program to Southeast Asia in which they examined issues faced by women in the Asian Christian context. Served on Merger Commission that created the new national ELCIC. Co-chaired the local arrangements committee for the ELW constituting convention. Task Force to create a Women's Auxiliary of the ELCIC. Chair of the Manitoba Synod's ELW constituting convention President of her local Lutheran congregation and chairman of the council that oversaw the major expansion of her local congregational building. She was a leader motivated to make a difference. Special thanks to Pastor Ed and Terri Mitchler for their kindly help. The family would like to give special thanks to the ALS Society, the ALS team at Deer Lodge, WRHA, and all the home care nurses. She appreciated the special attention of her university bridge group, ELW members, the Epiphany prayer group, and her extended family. A memorial service will be at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Dr. on Tuesday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made for research on the neurological disease of your choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2005