February 17, 1943 – February 3, 2026
Arlys J. Bergdale, 82, of Kensett, passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at her home.
Funeral services will be 2pm Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4108 Killdeer Ave, Kensett, IA 50448 with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. Visitation and public viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Kensett Cemetery at a later date.
Arlys Jean Roppe was born February 17, 1943, at the Roppe family farm near Northwood, Iowa, to Melvin and Clara (Spilde) Roppe. She grew up in the area, attending country school and later graduating from Northwood High School. On January 26, 1963, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Wesley J. Bergdale, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Kensett. Together they made their home in the area and were blessed with one daughter, Tammy.
Arlys worked at Enderes Tool Company in Albert Lea before beginning a career that spanned more than 40 years at Carroll George in Northwood, where she served as a supervisor for many years. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic were evident in all she did.
That same attention to detail carried into her many beautiful quilts. Arlys was a talented seamstress who loved sharing her creations with family and friends. She and Wes were active members of Elk Creek Lutheran Church, where she participated in Circle and generously shared her time and talents with church projects. She also served for many years on the Kensett Library Board and the Cemetery Board.
Arlys had a love for music, a kind and gentle temperament, and a way of seeing the good in others. Above all else, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, and her beloved cat, Boots, who truly held a special place in her heart.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Wesley; daughter, Tammy (Andy Madsen) Patterson of Northwood; grandchildren, Jessie and Nicole Leidal; Wesley’s siblings, Bonnie Pierce and Jerry (Cece) Bergdale; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Bergdale; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many extended family.
Preceding her in death are her parents; siblings, Marilyn (Glen) Genzler and Roger (Mary) Roppe; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carsten Bergdale, Ronnie Bergdale, Connie (Don) Berry, Adele Brakeley, Diane Stevie and Dick Pierce; and Boots the cat.
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