ARLENE M. KOOISTRA, age 91, of Hills, MN died Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Tuff Home in Hills. She was born July 26, 1934 at her home in rural Rock Valley, IA to Gertrude DeVries. She grew up near Alvord, IA and attended Inwood High School where she lettered in basketball and graduated. She worked in the Inwood grocery store. She also attended the Inwood Christian Reformed Church where a handsome, curly haired usher caught her attention and captured her heart.

Arlene was united in marriage to the love of her life, John Kooistra on May 18, 1955. After their wedding, the couple lived in rural Inwood area for a short time until they moved to Hawarden.  They moved back to Inwood and farmed there for eight years. In 1967, they bought a farm near Beaver Creek, MN where they built their life and raised their family. In September of 2020, Arlene moved to the Tuff Home in Hills. She was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne.

Arlene loved all things nature. She loved gardening (she always had a large garden that fed her family), planting flowers, plants and trees. She kept a shovel and bucket in the trunk of her car so that when she saw a wild seedling growing in the ditch, she could dig it up and plant it on the farm. She transformed their farm into an oasis of trees, plants and flowers. She loved feeding and watching the birds. Arlene dedicated her life to loving her husband and raising their children. Her fierce dedication to her children overflowed onto her grandchildren as well. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her children and grandchildren. Her children lovingly called her "a walking pharmacist" because she always had a pill for what ailed you. Sometimes she would even have several on hand for you. While her children were young, Arlene worked as an overnight nurse assistant at the Tuff home. Later, she cleaned houses for many people in the community and Sioux Falls. Her housekeeping almost always turned into care taking and many considered her part of their family. She was a wonderful cook and always seemed to have a casserole or cake ready for anyone who came to the farm. Some of her family's favorites include roast and potatoes, apple pie and chocolate cake.

Later, when years of hard work and surviving breast cancer, took their toll on her body, she enjoyed reading, listening to music, watching tv classics, playing bingo, eating Hershey candy bars and of course, watching the birds. She was a worrier and prayer warrior her whole life. Once she moved to the Tuff Home she added the staff to her list. After staff members would leave her room she would often say "She's a special one" or "I am praying for that one." Staff enjoyed stopping in Arlene's room to smell the fresh flowers, enjoy a moment of peace, a gentle smile and a piece of chocolate. Arlene's legacy includes a loving and dedicated marriage, a strong and quiet faith, a trail of tissues, a full candy dish and a sweet "I love you lots."

Arlene, is survived by her children, Dawn Kooistra, Waterloo, Ontario; Debra (Kevin)Moeller, Sherman, SD; Mark (friend Gayleen), Beaver Creek, MN; Dori (Rob) Horstman, Inwood, IA; and Melonie (Scott) Vancura, Lakefield, MN; Sixteen grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Kooistra; her daughter, Michele Harmening, her grandson, Scott Woodward and her parents, Oscar and Gert DeVries, along with a host of siblings, in laws and friends.

As her body grew weaker, Arlene longed to go Home and loved talking about Heaven and what it must be like. We are so thankful for her strong faith and that she now rests in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral service will be 11 am Thursday, January 22 at the American Reformed Church, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Mike Altena. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Burial will be in the Beaver Creek Cemetery.

Dingmann Funeral Home, in Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.