Arlene M. Tenneson passed away on November 15, 2018. Mom was born to John and Margaret (McGee) Blixt on February 19, 1936, in Butte, Montana.
While a senior at Helena High School she was employed by Western Life Insurance Company and Marlow Theatre. After graduation from high school in 1954, she attended Helena Business College, and went to work for the Montana Highway Department. She married Emil Tenneson February 5, 1955. Skee, first son, missed being the 1956 New Year’s baby by 2 days.
In 1958 the family moved to Spokane but after living there for a couple of years, they returned to Helena. Mom first returned to the MHD but later became the first administrative assistant for the newly created Department of Institutions. In 1961 a daughter, Terry, was born. Mom and dad divorced in 1966. Afterward Mom went to work for the Montana Education Association from which she retired 26 years later. She then worked for the University System for 10 years and following that worked as secretary for the Elks Club for 3 ½ years.
Preceding Mom in death (by the time she was eight years old) were her parents ; her aunt and uncle, Sylvia and Urho Jarvi, whom she lived with until 18, cousin Bonnie Dietzman of Sweet, ID, infant son James, sister-in-law Polly Kassa Blixt, and Bo and Button, her Shih Tzus. Survivors include son Skee Tenneson (Margarita) and granddaughter, Emily, of Monterey, CA; daughter Terry Kirkeby, grandsons Brady and Tory Kirkeby, and cousin Charlie Blixt, all of Helena; and in Spokane sisters Jo Kassa and Anita (Bob) Bogart, brother Myron Blixt, cousins Luanne Petersen (Bud), Jim Murphy and all their extended families throughout the State of Washington.
Mom had to give up golf rather early but it was her favorite summer pastime. However, her very favorite of all her interests was playing board games with her family and especially her grandsons who always accused her of cheating. Mom had a deep and sincere love for God and always said she felt His guidance and love in her home.
A sincere thank you to Dr. Weiner and his staff, for keeping Mom with us for 20 years of cancer. Mom chose to give up all cancer treatment two plus years before her passing. Mom moved to Hunters Pointe in 2017 and was able to continue to play bridge a couple times a week. She did miss, however, all the players of duplicate bridge which she had to give up a couple of years earlier as well as her Wednesday Beer and Wings group. A big thank you to those special people from Hunters Pointe, Home Instead, Lisa’s In-Home Senior Assistance, and Hospice, who were so helpful to mom.
A Memorial Service celebrating Arlene’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. If you wish to make a donation in remembrance of Mom, we suggest donations to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Arlene.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday November 20, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday November 20, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Rita Tenneson says
Good bye my special friend. I shall forever hold dear all my memories of you – from our marriages to cousins, our children growing up together, our family picnics, our trips, our dinners together and through the good times, the rocky times and the sad time of illness. Not only were you extra special, you were a confident and a pillar of strength. You helped me get through a tough time when my niece was going through the same thing you were. It was a comfort to receive your emails and suggestions. Visiting with you was always uplifting. You will leave a big void in all our hearts. May all the happy times and special memories you are leaving your family and your many friends bring comfort in our sadness and a smile to our faces. May God take you in His arms and make you whole again. I send my love and farewell to you. Rita Tenneson
Sandra Nachtsheim says
Our sympathy to all of you at the loss of such a dear person. George went to school with Arlene thru all 12 years and I was fortunate to bowl with her several years when we lived in Helena. We had many fun times together. She will be missed by so many. With love, Sandra and George Nachtsheim
John C. Board says
Arlene was a “class act.” In all the years I have known her, she never complained once. She was a good colleague who worked to keep a steady ship. No words can adequately summarize Arlene’s personality and her approach to living. She was a rare gem and many will miss her positive being.
D.J. says
My condolences to the family during this sad time. Please be comforted in God’s promise that one day soon you will be with your loved one again, and all pain and suffering will be done away with forever. (Revelation 21:4,5)
AnnieB says
My condolences to each of you and your family. Imagine living in a world free of sickness, suffering and death. It is possible, for the Bible assures us of such a world and we can trust in Jehovah God’s word for he is able to fulfill whatever he promises. (Isaiah 33:24, 55:11 and Revelation 21:3, 4) Your family are in my prayers.
David and Joan Sexton, Portland, OR says
I enjoyed knowing and working with Arlene for many years at the Montana Education Association. We send our condolences to Terry and the family.