Arvilla M. Vohnoutka, of Shakopee, passed away on May 11, 2017 at the age of 83. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Shakopee. A Christian Funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake. Pastor Brent Parrish will preside, and Arvilla will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers for Arvilla are Roy Vohnoutka, Bill Vohnoutka, Wayne Vohnoutka, Roy Vohnoutka, Jr., John Prochaska, Robert Prochaska, Randy Miller and Mark Wangerin.
It was a cold winter’s day on January 5, 1934 when William and Irene (Mueller) Wangerin celebrated the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Arvilla Marion Wangerin. She was the fourth of five children, and the only girl. Arvilla loved growing up on the family farm with her brothers, Clifford, Delmont, Dwane and William.
Arvilla attended grade school through church and later graduated from public high school. Growing up on a farm, Arvilla knew a lot of the other farming families in the area. Through these farming connections, she met a nice young man named Daniel Vohnoutka and quickly fell head over heels in love.
Dan and Arvilla exchanged wedding vows at Immanuel Lutheran Church on October 6, 1953. They were truly soul mates, and their love grew deeper every day. They settled in a house on the outskirts of Shakopee, and remained there the rest of their lives. Dan and Arvilla were soon blessed with a son, Dale.
Throughout her life, Arvilla spent several years working outside the home as a secretary at the local Red Owl. However, she much preferred the job of wife, mother and homemaker. Arvilla loved her husband and son deeply, and she took wonderful care of them.
Arvilla kept pristine vegetable gardens and often canned the fruits of her labor. She was a home body and spent her time crocheting and cross stitching. Arvilla also enjoyed watching TV, especially her favorite cartoon, Tom and Jerry. As a couple, Arvilla and Dan took many memorable trips. Arvilla loved to vacation with some of her favorite destinations being California and Hawaii.
In September of 1998, Arvilla’s world was turned upside down when her beloved Daniel passed away. She was heartbroken. Tragedy struck Arvilla’s life again when her son, Dale passed away a few years ago. But Arvilla was a strong woman, and she had her faith to help her through these trying times.
Arvilla was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake. She was baptized, attended grade school, received her first communion, was confirmed and married all in the same church. She was an active member of the congregation and served as the church organist for more than 50 years.
Last December, Arvilla moved into Friendship Manor where she received wonderful care from the dedicated staff. She spent her last day praying with her niece, Marge. Arvilla will be remembered as a strong-willed and independent German woman. She also had a sweet heart and loved talking to anyone who would listen.
Arvilla is survived by her brother, Delmont “Bud” Wangerin; sister-in-law, Carol Wangerin; best friend, special niece and caregiver, Marge Miller; special nephew, Roy Vohnoutka; other loving relatives, friends and neighbors. Arvilla was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Daniel Vohnoutka and son, Dale Vohnoutka.
