Arlene Victoria (Dall) Blake, 82, passed away on August 19, 2026 in Virginia, MN

Arlene was born in Virginia, MN, on March 7, 1944. Growing up as the middle child in a bustling household of nine children, Arlene learned early on how to hold her own. Surrounded by seven brothers and one sister, she developed a fierce independence, a sharp wit, and a refusal to back down that defined her entire life. She was a woman of strong convictions who never hesitated to let anyone know where she stood.

A graduate of Mountain Iron High School, Arlene met Russell Blake of Virginia, MN and they married on July 20, 1963. Together, they built a life shaped by resilience, adventure, and deep devotion. After moving frequently during Russ’s military service, they eventually settled in Parkville, Minnesota, calling it home for decades. In 2012, they moved to Virginia, where Arlene lived until her passing.

That same grit that defined her youth and military family life served her well when she faced a serious cancer diagnosis in 2012, surviving extensive surgery and proving just how tough she really was.

Her life was filled with unique, distinct chapters. In earlier years, she found connection on the airwaves during the CB radio era, spending countless hours chatting with long-haul truck drivers. She cultivated a passion for raising cockatiels and exotic birds, maintained a lifelong love for plants of all kinds, and was an avid collector of trinkets and treasures—she was frequently found tuned into the Home Shopping Network (HSN) at 2 or 3 in the morning, purchasing the latest deals. To Arlene, everything she owned held value and a special place in her world.

Following the passing of her husband, Russ, she found a new outlet in a local cribbage club, enjoying the competition and quick wit of the game until a tailbone injury limited her mobility in recent years. Though she spent her final year at home, she maintained her fiercely independent, stubborn spirit to the very end. During this time, she was blessed with the support of her dedicated caregiver, Diane Bainter, who cared deeply for her wellbeing and provided steadfast companionship and care.

She is survived by sons: Robert Blake (Betsy), and Douglas Blake (Jenny); daughters: Laurel Bovitz (Jeffrey), and Christine Alto; siblings: Kenneth Dall (Joyce), Ronald Dall (Phyllis), Glenn Dall (Debra), and Sharon Taylor (Kenneth); sisters -in-law: Teresa, Matti, Linda, Gloria, and Marge; grandchildren: Casalena Saari (Alexander), Wesley Blake (Alyssa), Kaila Adkins (Joshua), Ashley (Alto) Sarazine, Andrew Alto, Adrianna Bovitz, Joshua Bovitz, Michael Alto, Thomas Alto; great -grandchild: Jackson Blake; along with several other step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Russell Blake; brothers: Roger, James, Gordon, and Russell (Cha); and brothers -in -law: Kenneth and Bill.

A Funeral Service will be held on August 27th at 11 AM at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home in Virginia, MN. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Internment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Virginia, MN.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.