Arleen Ek, age 89, of Big Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Arleen was born August 1, 1935, in Rock Lake, North Dakota, to the late William and Elizabeth Pahkamaa. She graduated from Rock Lake High School in 1953 and earned a business degree in 1954 from Grand Forks, ND. In 1973, she married Matthew Ek, who preceded her in death in 1994.

Arleen moved to Big Lake, MN in 1996 and was an active member of Community United Methodist Church in Monticello. She enjoyed playing piano, gardening, and crafting.

She is survived by seven stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, her four siblings, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at The Peterson Chapel in St Michael, MN.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Community United Methodist Church, Monticello.  www.thepetersonchapel.com.