Leila E. (Sorensen) Arndt

Leila E. Arndt, 86, of Willmar passed away peacefully Friday, July 29, 2022, surrounded by family at Copperleaf Senior Living in Willmar.  Her funeral will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 2, at United Methodist Church in Willmar with burial at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar.  Visitation will be from 4-6:00 pm, Monday, August 1, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to her service at the church on Tuesday.  www.hafh.org

Leila was born May 5, 1936, in Clinton, MN, the daughter of Ernest and Lucille (Melton) Sorensen.  She grew up in Clinton, graduating from Clinton High School 1954.  On July 20, 1957, Leila was united in marriage to John Arndt in Clinton.  They lived in Ruthton until 1965, when they moved to Appleton and in 1971, they moved to Willmar.  She worked for Mutual of Omaha for over 20 years.  After retirement, she started Beads, Buttons & Bangles, making beautiful original jewelry.  In addition, John and Leila operated J & L Bison Ranch on their home farm in Dovre Township for many years, where she ran the gift shop and tours.  John and Leila were foster parents for over 10 years.  Leila’s greatest joy was being a grandma and great-grandma.  She enjoyed tending her gardens, watching the birds, and doing puzzles. 

She is survived by her daughter, Christy (Steven) Wearda of Spicer; son, Kevin Arndt of Willmar; grandchildren: Aletta Arndt, Addison Arndt, Chad Wearda, and Jen (Josh) Dragt; great-grandchildren, Jameson and Jocelyn Dragt.  Also surviving is her brother, Doyle Sorensen of Ivanhoe. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; siblings, Betty Olsen and Gaylen Sorensen.

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