Funeral Service for Arlie Carmen Steen, 82 of Battle Lake, MN will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Wahpeton, ND with Rev. Kathryn Rothman officiating. Organist will be Mary Jane Pauly and soloist will be Kara Hansen. Pallbearers will be Don Tobin, Don Engen, Tilford Kroshus, Bob Hull, Jacob Anderson, Lucas Anderson and Meghan Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Arlie's Friends & Co-Workers. Interment will be at a later date in Fairview Memorial Gardens, Wahpeton, ND. Military Rites by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50, Fort Sisseton, VFW Post #3342and Hafner-Miller-Ross American Legion Post #20 of Wahpeton, ND. Arlie C. Steen was born August 20, 1927 the son of Alfred and Clara Steen in Grant Township, Roberts County, SD. He attended school in Sisseton graduating from high school in 1945. He served in the US Army from 1945 to 1947, he received WWII Victory Medal and Army of Occupation medal Japan. A part of his tour of duty was in Philippine Islands. Upon receiving an honorable discharge he entered the workforce and later enrolled at Northern State Teachers college, in Aberdeen, SD. He was active in various clubs, played football for four years and graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in 1953. In August 27, 1954 he married Mary Green of Lead, SD, a registered nurse. Later he earned Master Degrees at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO and at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD. He taught and coached at Bryant, Claremont, and at McIntosh all in SD. Later he was the Principal, head football coach and assisted with the basketball programs at Edgerton, MN. He always took pride in the fact that he was responsible for the early development of the young men that eventually went on to win the Minnesota State Basketball Title in 1960, back at a time when all the high schools were in one classification. In 1964 he accepted the position as Director of Alumni Services at the ND State School of Science. In 1978 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University. Other honors and organizations that he currently is a member of and belonged to previously are: Bethel Lutheran Church (Wahpeton), Wahpeton Elk Lodge, Sisseton American Legion Post #50, Wahpeton Masonic Lodge, 1990 NDSCS Parade Grand Marshal, NDSCS Wildcat Booster Club, SD Coaches Association, NSU Wolves & Letter winners (N Club) While Director of the Alumni Services at Science he visited many alumni, friends and potential students in many cities and states, he was an advisor to the Alumni Fundraising Group for the Sisseton Fine Arts Center.. He served the college as an administrator and teacher for twenty six years retiring in 1990& during that time brought outstanding recognition to NDSCS fulfilling its mission. While holding this position he also taught classes in American history and served on many campus and community committees. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching and working with students. He was responsible for thousands of dollars in donations from friends and alumni that helped fund scholarships, building and other needs of the college, including large donation for the Sterns Cultural Center, Alumni Stadium (now called Skip Bute Stadium) and the Frank Vertin Football Field/Track Complex
He made friends easily with his unique and successful way in fund raising. He had many colleague, business & industry friends in the community, state and throughout the country that respected and called him a friend. Upon retirement from Science, Mary and Arlie purchased a home in Clitherall Lake, near Battle Lake, MN. Later he purchased a home in Largo, Florida and would spend his winters there and summers at the lake. Some highlights that Arlie enjoyed would be visiting, fishing, attending music and sporting events, watching tv, in his younger days dancing, and yes he was proud of his Norwegian heredity. "You betcha!" He was especially pleased and proud of his grandchildren Jacob, Lucas and Meghan and always looked forward to their visits.
Arlie is survived by his twin sister, Ardyce (Charles) Struck of New Effington, SD; brother-in-law Curtis Leen of New Effington, SD, son-in-law John Anderson, grandchildren Jacob Anderson of CO, Lucas Anderson and Meghan Anderson of Forest Lake, MN and several nieces and nephews.
Arlie was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Clara Steen, his wife Mary, his sister Helen (Curtis) Leen, his daughter Deborah Anderson and son Paul.