Arlene Martin

Arlene Martin, of Prior Lake, MN, entered eternal life on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Collier Center Inpatient Hospice in Wheatridge, CO.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11 am, with a time of gathering from 9:30-10:45 am, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Arlene will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Prior Lake. In support of Arlene's love of Corvettes and classic cars, she wants owners to drive their cars to the service. Mass will be livestreamed through St. Mike's Youtube.

Arlene Catherine was born in South Bend, IN on August 20th, to parents Louis and Ann (Niemier) Varga. She graduated from Saint Mary’s Academy in South Bend, Indiana, class of 1958, where she made lifelong friends. Arlene started college at Purdue University, when her life took another direction, meeting and marrying David Merrill Martin on November 19, 1960, at St. Matthew Co-Cathedral Church in South Bend, IN. The couple had three children: Michael, Marci, and Mitchell. Due to Dave’s job, the family lived in Cedar Rapids, IA, Hayfield, MN, and Owatonna, MN.

Arlene's passion for cars began early, influenced by her father who worked for the Studebaker Company in South Bend. This passion was shared with David, whom she bonded over their mutual love for cars. The couple's first family car was a 1966 Corvette Stingray, leading them to join the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club and the Classic Corvettes of Minnesota Corvette Club and both held leadership roles within these clubs. Arlene and David also belonged to the Minnesota Historical Antique Car Club, SCCA Club of America, Nebraska Corvette Club, Car Nuts of Owatonna MN, and River Bend Antique Car Club. They enjoyed all the lifelong friendships formed by participating in car shows, road rallies, and Corvette cruises.

When most people buy a sports car for their midlife crisis, David and Arlene's love for cars extended to racing, where they transitioned to racing Formula V cars. Arlene, David and their son, Mitch raced at Brainard International Speedway and Elkhart Racetrack, with Arlene proving to be a formidable competitor and often besting her male counterparts.

As their children grew, Arlene returned to college at the University of Minnesota Waseca, earning a degree in food science. She went on to own the Cheese Barn at the Owatonna Mall, selling cheese curds, gourmet treats, and catering. Arlene worked part-time for many years for Mad Science of MN, bringing science and fun to daycares and elementary schools across southern MN. Upon becoming a grandmother, Arlene found pleasure in attending her grandchildren's school choir concerts and supporting them at their basketball and soccer games.

Arlene’s legacy of love for her family, friends, and cars will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Forever loved, Arlene will be deeply missed by her children, Mike (Bernie) Martin, Marci (Bill Towner) Martin, Mitch (Jodi) Martin; grandchildren, Kristen (Stuart) Poole, Théo Towner, Kefelen Martin, Chloe and Logan Surinx; great-granddaughter, Roslyn Poole; nieces and nephews, Denise, Teresa, Ann, David, Paul, and Patricia Zarembka, Vicki Sontheim, Bill Stuart; other relatives and friends.

Greeting Arlene home in Heaven is her husband, David; parents, Louis and Ann Varga; and sister, Marcia Zarembka.