Arlene was a loving mother, wife, sister, and friend. Arlene passed away on September 10, 2024 at the age of 72. She was born on November 11, 1951 to Lyle and Myrtle Knudson in Scobey, MT. Five more siblings joined the Knudson clan before they moved to Wolf Point, MT in 1960.
She attended high school in Wolf Point, graduating with the class of 1969. After graduation she attended Northern Montana College in Havre, MT. She returned home when her mother was terminally ill with cancer to help her family. At the age of 21, her mother died and she put her life on hold to help care for her younger siblings. She would never admit it or agree with them, but she was instrumental in getting them through a great deal of hardship that came from life without their mother.
Arlene married the love her life, Jerry Neumiller, in March of 1982. To this union they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Laura and Sarah. Arlene loved her family dearly. Her passion for baking and cooking touched all who knew her. There was much love and thought put into every meal, every birthday party dinner, and every holiday celebration.
Arlene and Jerry owned the Sears store from 1987 until it’s closing in 1992.
Arlene and Jerry owned and operated the Little Buggers Daycare for 28 years, retiring in 2020. If you were fortunate enough to be a part of the Little Bugger family, you know how special Arlene was. Earlier Little Buggers had the annual lemonade stand, the outdoor “Olympics” that were held with races and games where everyone took home a medal. Whether it was craft time, snack time, movies at quiet time, rushing from school for some of those amazing homemade afterschool snacks, or enjoying the fabulous lunch spread, you always knew Arlene was planning something fun or preparing a feast!
Daycare babies, if you only knew all the special memories that she discussed and fondly reflected on frequently, she truly loved you!
Becoming a grandma was one of the happiest moments of her life, and her three grandchildren gave her immense joy.
Arlene was preceded in death by her father, Lyle, her mother, Myrtle, Brothers, Ron and Steve, and Sister-in-law, Jean. She is survived by her husband and love of her life, Jerry, daughters Laura (Ryan) Wall of Wolf Point and Sarah (Jesse) Baldwin of Havre. Her beloved grandchildren, Kyran and Nadia Wall, Atley Baldwin. Sisters, Debra (Rick) Davies and Shari (Terry) Ekwortzel, and Brother, Reed (Tammy) Knudson. She is survived by several special cousins, nephews and nieces. She is also survived by her Little Bugger daycare families that hold a special place in her heart.
A special thanks goes to Son-in-Law Ryan Wall, who provided so much support to Arlene, especially over the past few years. We see you and we appreciate you always being there. We are forever grateful.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, and sister who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Part of our heart left with you that day, we love and miss you so much. We cherish the time we had with you and the memories we made with you. Love you more!
Celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point, MT. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment at the Greenwood Cemetery will be at a later date.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday September 28, 2024
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday September 28, 2024
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Share
Carol Neutgens says
Jerry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was an awesome lady. May God bless you with wonderful memories and may you dream of her often. God bless you and comfort you at this time.
Carol Neumiller Neutgens
Jessica Jimison says
Arlene was a pillar of my Wolf Point experience… she literally made life possible for me and so many other families. I am so sad that she’s left this earthly realm, and yet can feel her warmth and love and homemade meals nevertheless. Prayers for all who mourn and miss this most amazing matriarch!!🙏❤️🩹💖🙏
Wanda Redekopp says
We were so lucky to have day care for our youngest son and it was amazing.She loved her little one and care for them she was the most amazing person. God bless and keep your family
CHARLES F STOHL says
Jerry and family, sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Stohl
Nancy Kurokawa says
Arlene would be telling me not to make a fuss and she was doing “Just Fine”! Throughout the years she kept me looking at life as a “fined tuned Chevy driving up and down Hwy 2 on a warm summer night with KOMA blasting on the radio.” She could cuss me out whenever I got a little high on my horse (or my Honda 50) and make me see common sense. Arlene was a most loyal friend whose down to earth sensibilities made our friendship so balanced. (Although she was the one who introduced me to tequila shots one summer night at Butzy’s, a peak into her wild side). She was a genuine nurturer without a mean spirit in her being. Smart, talented, hard working, generous and most of all -modest. I was so blessed to have her unconditional love and support for all these years. Love to all the family and friends that will miss her. 🙏🏼
vernie madison says
Oh the impact of some people passing. She was one that is felt by the entire community!! Gods Peace be with you all, family and friends!! Arlene’s memory goes back to my earliest memories of my introduction to my home town and the wonderful people that made up this fairytale. May the Lord be with everyone.
Dennis Visser says
Her brother Ron and I were best friends so I witnessed first hand Arlene’s incredible character. When their mother died, Arlene stepped up and took the reins helping her father raise the younger kids. Even at her young age, she had a calmness that was perfect for the circumstance. I never heard a complaint, she just steered the ship. Lyle would most certainly have been lost without her dedication. I have no doubt, her mother was looking down with unabashed thankful tears of love. Rest in peace, Arlene
Susan McGrail says
To the Neumiller family,
What a wonderful lady she was. It’s been 30 years since my boys were at Little Buggers! Every Christmas we have ornaments ( reindeer) that hang on our tree , that was given to my boys from “Little Buggers”!
Love and prayers are sent to each one of you!
Susan McGrail
Debra M. says
My Condolences to the Neumiller family . So sorry to hear of her passing.
Terry Jarvis (Peterson) says
Jerry, Laura, Sarah and all,
I could write a book about Arlene. From my memory of seeing stairstep brothers & sisters after their moms passing when Arlene stepped in to help, to working at Sears for a few years to…I could go on & on. Your mom, wife, grandma, sister, aunt, was one of the kindest most genuine souls to ever be in my life. I loved working at Sears. Arlene made the best “boxes” of memories for you girls Laura and Sarah. She would keep me updated on her brothers & sisters. Your mom did everything from love. There aren’t too many people like her. When I opened up Clayton obits today and saw Arlene, my heart broke & tears came. I will keep you all in my heart as you go through these next months.
So very much love to each of you…y’all had one of God’s best people in your corner. She’ll still watch over each of you.
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Jerry, Laura and Sarah and Families,
We are so sorry to learn about Arlene’s death. She was a wonderful person and always so outgoing and generous. We’ll never forget the “feeds” she used to put on at Stampede time that gave us a great chance to enjoy all of you and many of the other relatives.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Gysler says
So sorry Jerry what a wonderful lady Arlene was . You two made a wonderful couple and great family .
Steven & Patty Berge says
Jerry, Laura, Sarah and Family,
Our deepest sympathy as you navigate the loss of Arlene, a caring soul with a heart of gold.
You did an excellent job honoring her. I could feel the love and joy she was surrounded with during her life on earth.