Arlis Doeden

Arlis Faye (Nepp) Doeden, wife of Douglas Duane Doeden (55 years) and mother to four angelic children, passed away on September 11th, 2021 at the age of 74 surrounded by her family.

Arlis was born on July 19, 1947 in Pipestone, MN to Mahlon and Una (Lopau) Nepp.  On November 6, 1965 she married Douglas at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and made their home on a farm by Lake Wilson, MN.  They moved to Groton, SD in 1972 and became neighbors with their longtime friends Dave and Mary Blackmun.   

Arlis loved being with family and friends, teaching and playing the piano, directing the church choir, and organizing and spearheading the Arlis Doeden Community Transit. Arlis felt blessed to have acquired many important friends through her years at 3M and other job endeavors.  She developed strong relationships throughout her years working with the volunteers at transit and church creating lasting friendships.  Arlis’s passion for music drove her volunteerism which was embedded in her life in many facets through playing for the show choir, many community events, supporting other music teachers, etc.  Arlis’s favorite thing to do was spend time with Doug.  They enjoyed bird watching, playing Euchre and Yahtzee, tending to their flower garden, attending sporting events and music productions, home decorating and remodeling projects, and having coffee with their friends.  

Arlis was preceded in death by her husband, Doug, her parents Mahlon and Una, mother and father-in-law Jennie and Oliver Doeden and brother-in-law Kevin Doeden.  She is survived by her children and their spouses; Jodene (Ward) Votapka, Troy (Chris) Doeden, Jillaine (Bob) Sheehan, Tobin (Liz) Doeden, 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and extended family Pam and Brad Hanson.  Arlis is also survived by brothers Harlan (Kathy) Nepp, Dale Nepp, Craig (Sheila) Nepp, sister Shirley (Charlie) Warren, brothers-in-law Harris (Linda) Doeden, Keith Doeden, sisters-in-law Pat (Bob) Idzorik, Peg (Harvey) Erstad and Sandy Doeden.

Funeral services for Arlis will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 17th at Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.  Pastor Kari Foss will officiate.  Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Groton.  Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Thursday from 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Chase McKittrick, Connor McKittrick, Camden Hurd, Jackson Doeden, Oliver Doeden, Cade Sheehan, Jonathan Doeden, Calder Sheehan

 Psalm 116 Readers: Sophie Doeden, Josie Doeden, Grace Doeden, Carma Sheehan Townsend, Jennie Doeden, Audrey Doeden.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Ackman, Dave Bergjord, Dave Blackmun, Rick Brunmeier, Randy Crawford, Jay Johnson, Marc Johnson, Randy Stanley.

Esteemed Transit & Home Coffee Crews: Jerry Bjerke, Dennis Larsen, Dave McGannon, Gordon Nelson, Tyke Nyberg, John Wheeting, June Ackman, Mary Blackmun, Melinda Eikamp, Pam Hanson, Jan Hoffman, Pat Nehls, Marge Overacker, Karen Wolter

Transit Board: Sherry Kohler, Dick Kolker, Steve Smith, Topper Tastad, Lori Westby.

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