Arleen Oswald, age 91, formerly of rural New Ulm, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Pathstone Living Center in Mankato.

A funeral service will be at 11am on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Brighton Township with Pastor David Linn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH chapel, in New Ulm, and will continue Monday morning, prior to the service, from 10-11am at Zion church.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Arleen is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Borer of St. Peter, Brenda (John) Thormodson of Madelia, Monica (Gordy) Woelfel of Henry, SD; grandchildren, Clete (Katie & her daughters, Winter and Gwen Eastman) Olson, Paula Olson, Rebecca (Ryan) Peter, Angela (Brandon) Salfer, Jana Thormodson, Jason Thormodson; and great-granddaughter, Brooke Olson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Dale Oswald in 2021; parents, Martin and Olga Gieseke; parents-in-law, Alvin and Marie Oswald; other in-laws, Edwin Oswald, Melvin and Donna Oswald, Lester and Corinne Oswald, Richard Oswald, Marvis Mueller; nieces and nephews, Beverly Beglau, Richard Oswald, Eugene Oswald, and Shirley Oswald.

Arleen Ella Esther Gieseke was born December 5, 1934 in New Ulm to Martin and Olga (Netzke) Gieseke. She attended country school in Brighton township. On December 29, 1955 Arleen was united in marriage to Dale Oswald at the Zion Lutheran Church in Brighton Township. This union blessed the couple with three daughters whom together they raised on the farm in rural New Ulm. In their retirement, Arleen and Dale spent 21 years wintering at their home in Alamo, Texas and travelling the United States. She was quite involved with the Lamplighters program through AAL/Thrivent as well as the Farm City Hub Club. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Treasure Haus in New Ulm for many years. Arleen enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, reading the New Ulm Journal, mowing the lawn, helping on the farm, and listening to "Domeier's Music from Germany" on KNUJ on Sunday afternoons. Arleen was a lifelong and dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Brighton township. Above all else, Arleen enjoyed any time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her. Blessed be her memory.

Arleen's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Pathstone's memory care, for the wonderful care and support provided to Arleen. Your kindness will not be forgotten.