Arlene Bernadine (Selander) Hill, 82, died July 11, 2020, in Allegan.
She was born on Dec. 18, 1937, in Cokato, Minn., to Carl Bernard (Benny) and Alvida (Noyed) Selander, the youngest of their three children. She was baptized at Cokato Lutheran Church on Jan. 23, 1938. She met Rodney Hill during high school and the two attended Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minn., where Arlene earned a B.A. degree in music education. They married on Aug. 16, 1959, and raised two children together.
Arlene was a gifted pianist and shared her love of music with her many private piano students. She also taught elementary music and directed choirs in schools in Davenport, Iowa; and East Grand Rapids. In later years, she enjoyed playing duets with her friend Nan for their music club. She was a talented cook who enjoyed making and sharing meals with her family and friends. She operated a muffin business in Detroit that sold muffins at many small grocery stores and also worked as a customer service representative for a medical supply company in St. Clair Shores.
Throughout her life, Arlene was an active member of Lutheran congregations in Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan, teaching Sunday school and VBS, playing piano and organ, singing in the choir, and sharing her talents in other ways. She also volunteered her service to many community organizations, including Hurley Medical Center in Flint, where she coordinated a pediatric activity program, and Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, which honored her as volunteer of the year in 2000.
Arlene and Rod loved to travel and camping was a favorite family summer activity. As a couple, they traveled to Australia, New Zealand, China, Scandinavia, and throughout Europe and the United States. They especially enjoyed visits to Ohio and Minnesota to visit their children and grandchildren.
Arlene is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Rodney, and their children, Grier and Sue Ann Hill and Marla (Hill) and Jon Holt, and their families, including Nichole Hill and Paul Popovski; Joseph and Megan Vaughn, Allison and Joseph; Stephanie and Nate McDonough; and Evan Holt and Julia Holt.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and James Mortensen; her brother Donald; her father- and mother-in-law, Elmer and Alice Hill; and her brother-in-law Clifford Fashant.
Her cremains will be interred in the memorial garden of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Haven, Michigan. A hymn sing funeral will be celebrated later when larger gatherings and full-throated singing are permissible.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Endowment Fund of Peace Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Memorial Hwy., South Haven, MI 49090; the Mayo Savold Scholarship Fund at Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454; or Samaritas, 8131 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214.
Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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