Arlys Jean Risius, 86

Published 10:13 am Monday, November 14, 2016

Arlys Jean Risius, 86

Arlys Jean Risius, 86

Arlys Jean Risius, 86 of Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday evening, Nov. 12, 2016, at the Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

Arlys Jean Hellickson was born Sept. 3, 1930, the daughter of Lindeman and Cora (Vikse) Hellickson in Ostrander, Minnesota. She attended school in Spring Valley, Minnesota, and was homecoming queen in 1947, graduating with the Class of 1948. In 1948, Arlys married Kenneth Gilbert and the couple raised five children during their 35 years of marriage. Arlys enjoyed a career of over 40 years as an Avon Lady; she worked as a cook at Neveln School; and in the office of the Austin Country Club. Arlys also enjoyed a part-time position as a server at the Hormel cabin.  Arlys married Edward Risius on May 2, 1987, in Austin. Edward died on Nov. 7, 2005. She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and always enjoyed attending the Veldman and Friends concerts. Arlys was a beautiful seamstress, leaving her family with many beautiful treasures.

Survivors include five children, Robert (Kathy) Gilbert of Omaha, Nebraska, Michael (Diane) Gilbert of Rochester, Minnesota, Cheryl Christopherson, Susan (Randy) Severson and Jane (Peter Lange) McFarland, all of Austin; 10 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Loren Hellickson of Silver Spring, Maryland and George (Kathy) Hellickson of Rochester; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward Risius; a grandson, Nathan McFarland; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold and Ginny Hellickson, Roger Hellickson and Twyla Hellickson.

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Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Todd Portinga, AIM, officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Worlein Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

Memorials can be directed to St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Sacred Heart Care Center or the Hormel Institute.

Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements.