Arlene B. Toonen

Arlene B. Toonen, age 93 of Bloomington, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026.

Arlene is preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Evelyn Olson; husband, Frank; siblings, Jerome, Roger, Marilyn and LaVonne; sons, James and Kenneth Toonen; son-in-law, Tiki Joseph; granddaughter, Regina.

She is survived by children, Gregory, Michael, Karen (Duane), Lisa, Patrice (Neil), Kathleen (Lyle); Margaret; sisters-in-law, Hedda and Theresa; grandchildren, Jessica (Kris), Jason (Melissa), Sean (Laura), Ryan, Angela, Chad, Rueben (Anna), Sheldon (Petra), Sophie (Jim), Mindy (Stoddard), Rachael (Brad), Andrew and Nathan; great grandchildren, Allie Blake, Lily, Clayton, Jasmine , McKenzie, Charlie, Adam, Sean Jr, Colton, Dashel Aubreana, Jesse Jr, Gregory, Awnica, Dominic, Cy, Lucy, Magnus, Massimo, Audrey, Ayla, Eden, Josiah, Zara Great, great grandson, Maddox; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Arlene grew up in Amery Wisconsin and loved living on the farm. She moved to Minneapolis and lived on sixth Street, where she graduated from South high school. She was a proud mother of four children and four step children. Arlene worked many jobs in her lifetime. Most memorable were the years she was part owner in the Uptown Bar and Grill on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis with her husband Frank. She spent her time, cooking lunch specials and mingling with customers. She was a feisty woman that gained her nickname “Testy” from her bowling girls in McGregor, Mn. She wasn’t afraid to tell you how she felt but always was classy and respectful. She loved to travel, especially with her sisters. Road trips were their favorite. You could find them anywhere from Branson to Canada or just follow the giggles. Family was everything to Arlene. Her favorite times were family picnics, gatherings at her beloved lake home on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor. Sunday dinners usually cut short so she could get to BINGO. She loved golfing on their couple trips to Madden’s. She also had a love for stretching her legs, a.k.a. shopping at the mall. BINGO was her absolute favorite. She’d be known to play multiple sessions in a day and always had a dauber ready to go.

Arlene lived a long, beautiful life and was loved by many. If you ever needed an ear to listen or sound advice, Arlene was the one to call no matter the time of day. Her kitchen table was always open and a hot cup of coffee was ready for you.

Arlene’s big heart touched everyone who knew her. Her kindness, strength, and love shaped our family in ways that will never fade. Though she may be gone, her legacy lives on through the lessons she taught us and the love and feistiness she shared so freely.

Please join us in celebrating Arlene at 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 20th for a service at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S. There will be a visitation starting at 12:00 noon and a reception to follow.