Arlene Kluver, age 89, died on Thursday, April 26th, at the Three Links Care Center here in Northfield. Arlene worked from 1965 to 1995 in the Office of Admissions, including eight years as Secretary to the Dean of Admissions. She continued to work when needed as a Sodexho checker in Burton Dining Hall for two years after her retirement.
Arlene was a beloved staff person in Admissions, known for her hard work, focus, and gracious yet matter-of-fact approach. She had a can-do attitude toward any project, coloring the workday with humorous anecdotes from her farm.
A more complete obituary can be found at the Benson & Langehough website.
A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at 2pm, Saturday, May 5th at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Comments
Arlene was a woman who worked hard and didn't stop until she was done. I think some our chit-chat during stuffing sessions was hard for her to bear but as she neared retirement she relaxed a little. She had some great witticisms, like (I only remember the last part of this saying): "......than a tomcat in a cream can." (happier maybe?) Arlene once tried to explain the meaning of the phrase "six of one, half a dozen of the other" to a student worker and was stunned that the student had no idea what it meant. Rest easy, Arlene.
Arlene was my administrative assistant when I first got to Carleton and was a big part of me learning how to do the job. She cared about every detail and understood how all the different parts of a complicated Admissions operation came together. Her work ethic was legendary, but she was also kind, funny and caring. I still cherish the book she gave me for Christmas one of those first years - which gave the historical roots and current explanation for many of those "farm-isms". She searched high and low for that book after I admitted that I didn't know the meaning of "make hay while the sun shines"! Thank you, Arlene. You taught me a lot!