Alicia C. Arn

Alicia C. Arn passed away February 10, 2026 at Carefree Living Center at 100 ½ years of age.  Her husband, John Arn and sister, Carolyn Skiff preceded her in death.  She is survived by her daughters, Sandy (Ben) Pawlak and Phyllis (Hal) Zimmer, and grandson, Daniel Pawlak.  Born in Cincinnati Ohio, Alicia was raised by her mother. She interrupted her college education to help support her mother and sister, rolled bandages for the war effort, and was a ‘Rosie Riveter’ before marrying her high school sweetheart, John and completing college. As a family, they lived in upstate New York and later moved to Brookfield, WI where Alicia became involved in Girl Scouts, a passion she continued wherever she lived, well into her 80’s.

The family lived in Sẩo Paulo, Brazil, from 1965-1970. Alicia dove into the small American community, leading a Girl Guide troop, volunteering in the library at her daughters’ school, and for four years making beautiful, elaborate and authentic costumes for the girls’ high school plays.  Upon returning to the U. S., Alicia continued her love of girl scouting in Boston, Minnetonka, and Spokane where she was a Service Unit Leader, Trainer of Leaders, and Trainer of Trainers. Alicia was an active member of Friends of the Library in Minnetonka and Spokane, and in retirement, helped John with his hobby, philately.  After John’s death, she moved to independent living in Minnetonka for 13 years, and recently, to memory care in Ely.

Though only in the loving care of Ely’s Carefree Living Center for a short time, Alicia repeatedly said how much she appreciated the care and attention she received from everyone at Carefree.  She sincerely liked and enjoyed everyone who helped with her care.  This amazing Girl Scout, mother, grandmother and mother-in-law will be missed by her family. Alicia’s final resting place will be with her husband at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alicia may be made to your local Girl Scout Chapter or Carefree Living Center, 140 Second Ave. S., Ely, MN 55731.

Good night, Scouts.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alicia C. Arn, please visit our floral store.