Arlys A. (Berning) Wilbur

Our mother, Arlys A. Wilbur passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 from heart complications. Per her wishes her body was donated to science as she would say, “I’m not going to need it where I’m going anyway.” She was born on October 2, 1944 in Preston, MN to Eugene Berning and Marilyn (Case) Martin. She spent her early years in Duluth and then on her "Dad's" farm in southeastern Minnesota after her mother married John Martin. She always talked about how much she loved that farm, her numerous cats, and showing sheep at the local 4-H fair before graduating from Harmony High School in 1962. From Harmony it was off to Winona State University where she got her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and met our father, Curtis Wilbur. They married in June, 1966 and spent the next few years teaching in Minnesota before moving to Ohio for a few years. This is where daughter Teresa was born. They returned to Minnesota where she focused on raising Teresa and son Steven before she and our father separated. Back to Ohio she went driving a UHall (this time with a 7 and 4 year old in tow) to attend the Methodist Theological School of Ohio. She received her Master's in Theology and went on to be a United Methodist (and later Presbyterian) minister. This career took her to various states including Nebraska, Wyoming, Alaska, and Wisconsin. In February, 2005 she had a stroke and spent the rest of her time here on earth living in Alpine Village in Verdigre, NE and Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, MN before settling at Johanna Shores in Arden Hills, MN about 20 minutes from Steve. We simply cannot thank the staff of these wonderful places for taking such great care of our mother! She loved being so close to Steve, his wife Kelly and their twin sons, John and Logan. She was also able to visit Teresa and her children, Keira and Cayden in Connecticut. Mom is also survived by her sisters Lucille Prinsen, Janice Taber, Ellie Jean Hoffman and Lolaraye Wiarda. Her two brothers, William and Lindee preceded her in death as well as her parents. A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Chatfield, MN cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Chatfield VFW.

Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com