I recently had a chance to visit Arzella Lambert at Shepherd of Grace Senior Community in Becker. I had heard through a friend that Arzella was hoping someone would play a few songs on her piano in her apartment. I was glad to see that she thoroughly enjoyed the music as I played several of her favorite hymns at her request. It was a sweet time of fellowship with her. Arzella Johnson was born May 5, 1923 to Edward and Annie (Larson) Johnson. She had three older siblings: Selma (1912); Clara (1914) and Raymond (1918). 

 

Her mom emigrated from Norway in 1905 and spoke only Norwegian her entire life. Arzella spoke only Norwegian until she entered school. Being the youngest child, and with quite an age difference, Arzella spent a great deal of time by herself, and would pretend she was a school teacher. She enjoyed playing outside, even in the winter. She recalled fondly how her father made her skiis and a sled when she was a girl.

 

Family is important to Arzella. Unfortunately, she  was never able to meet any of her grandparents.

 

She lived in Becker township on a farm. Like many of the farms in that day, the farm had no electricity. She had many chores to do every day, including milking cows, raising hogs and turkeys and garden work (corn and potatoes). Although they were poor, they had plenty to eat. 

 

Arzella’s childhood best friend was Beverly Stonehouse. Arzella did not have many close relatives, so she was very grateful for her friendship with Bev. They had plenty of fun growing up together! For example, they rolled down a gravel pit with Bev’s brother. I got to know Bev Stonehouse for many years when she attended Snake River Church. Bev was such a cheerful person.  

 

Fourth of July was a special holiday growing up. Arzella and her family would go to Big Lake Pavillion and people would throw firecrackers. Eventually her family moved to Orrock and continued to farm. They sold the cream from the cows and eggs at  Orrock General Store.

 

Arzella married Clarence Lambert at her parent’s home March 24, 1943. After Clarence was discharged from the Army, they bought a 120 acre farm and lived in Orrock township from early 1946 to 1950. Arzella and Clarence (nickname Boots) raised four children: Roger (1944), Eugene (1946), Laurene (1948) and Robert (1961).

 

In 1950, Arzella and Clarence moved their home and buildings from Orrock to Blue Hill township and purchased 160 acres. They farmed there for 16 years, until 1966, when their Blue Hill property was purchased by the National Wildlife Refuge. This prompted them to move again in July of 1966. The family moved that house again, back to Orrock.

 

The family purchased a gas station from Joe King in Orrock (Lambert Independent Oil Company) and operated it for eight years (1967-1975). They closed the station in May, 1975. 

 

Arzella has made her home in Minnesota most of her 95 years. Arzella lived in Texas for a short time while her husband was stationed at Camp Hood while he served in the U.S. Army; Louisiana briefly while he was stationed at Camp Polk and Indiana for a short time. 

 

Arzella lived with her daughter Laurene and her husband Bud near Orrock for many years after her husband passed away unexpectedly in 1977. Laurene shared these thoughts about her mom: “My mom and I have enjoyed so much time together. Growing up, we had a huge garden and did a great deal of canning. We enjoyed canning together until just a few years ago! There is nothing my mom wasn’t willing to do. She even helped us move a wall in our house several years ago.”

 

Arzella’s daughter in law Audrie Lambert (married to Arzella’s son Bob), lives in North Carolina. She had these words to share about how Arzella has impacted her life in a postive way: “She is a very special lady who has cared for a lot of people over the years. She always put others first and never complained, even during difficult times. A few years ago when Arzella came to visit us in North Carolina, she helped me prepare Christmas dinner  and we talked and talked. It was a precious visit that I will always remember.” 

 

Arzella remarried later in life after living as a widow for man yyears. she married Denny Posey in 1994 after meeting in church. He passed away six years after they wed.

 

Arzella eventually moved into Woodbriar Senior Apartments in Becker for a time before moving to Shepherd of Grace where she currently lives. In her golden years, Arzella has kept herself busy. For example, Arzella took piano lessons when she was in her 60’s from Lydia Heed, the same teacher I took lessons from (as well as eight of my siblings). 

 

It was a trip down memory lane as I talked with Arzella at her cozy apartment. She is one of those people who is content and smiles often. Her joy is contagious. I enjoyed hearing stories about her life growing up, milking cows and attending a one-room school. I feel like I have much in common with Arzella. I have great grandparents on both of my parents’ sides who emigrated from Norway around the same time as Arzella’s grandparents. Also, just like my dad and my oldest six siblings, Arzella attended a one-room school near Becker. Much like Arzella, my dad walked to a one room school near Becker with his brothers across the pasture. 

 

Arzella is very close in age to my dad (who I lost 20 years ago). Her life growing up was centered around the farm. Orrock was a big part of my life growing up. We often baled straw on property near Orrock. 

 

Arzella’s daughter Laurene (Rene) and her husband Bud Baumgartner owned the Sportsman’s Inn restaurant and bar in Orrock for many years. My brothers played for the Sportsman’s Inn softball team.  

 

Arzella is an incredibly sweet lady. It was a blessing to spend a couple hours with her. God bless her sweet soul.