Gail C. Arnfelt passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on August 31, 2018.
Gail was born June 15, 1938 to Glen and Alma (Amundson) Routh at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea. She grew up on a farm in rural New Richland. She graduated from New Richland High School in 1956. After high school, she attended Rochester Methodist Kahler School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1959. After graduation, she was employed at Methodist Kahler Hospital. Gail married Paul Arnfelt on January 8, 1960 in Rochester.
Upon their marriage, Paul and Gail made their home together in Owatonna where they were active in many facets of community life. Gail was employed by the Owatonna Hospital before leaving work to raise her family. They raised two children, Elizabeth Paige and Patrick Harrison. On August 23, 1995, Patrick died from a tragic car accident.
During 58 years of marriage, Gail and her loving husband, Paul, were truly partners in life and made many wonderful memories traveling and spending time together. Some of their travels took them to Alaska, London, Cabo, and the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Gail and Paul enjoyed many years wintering on Sanibel Island in Florida, but Owatonna has always been their home.
Gail was a longtime member and President of Woman’s Club of Owatonna, Home Economics Club of Owatonna and the Owatonna Mrs. Jaycees as well as being involved in Trinity Lutheran Church of Owatonna and Peace Lutheran Church of Fort Myers, FL.
Some of Gail’s passions included gardening and tending to her orchids, supporting and cheering on her granddaughters, granddaughter’s friends and neighborhood kids in their many activities, collecting perfume bottles and porcelain birds, shopping, playing bridge, and spending time with her Wednesday lunch girls. Because of Gail’s kind heart and gentle soul, she made friends of all ages, and cherished those special friendships. She loved her family very much, and they loved her just as much.
Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Alma Routh; an infant daughter; son, Patrick Harrison; and sister, Fay Gora.
She is survived by her husband, Paul; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Kent Kienholz; granddaughters, Allison Peterson her husband Aren, Zoe Kienholz and her special friend Sam Callen; daughter-in-law and special friend, Jennifer Schwab; three brothers, Warren (Susan) Routh, Allan Routh, Mark (Brenda) Routh; two sisters, JoAnn (Steven) Eaton, Kristine Fischer; brother-in-law, Marty Gora; Paul’s brother, Tony (Iona) Arnfelt, Paul’s sisters, Eileen (Joe Sampson) and Joanne Waddington; many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
A special thank you to the Owatonna Hospice Team, Kelly S., and the family and friends who helped care for Gail.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church from 10 to 11 a,m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Todd Buegler officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials can be directed to the Owatonna Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church, or Owatonna Hospice Patient Care Fund.