Arlene C. Brausen

Arlene C. Brausen, 83 year old resident of Bowlus, MN passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. Stanislaus-Kostka Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN with Father Greg Paffel officiating. Burial will be in the St. Stanislaus-Kostka Parish Cemetery in Bowlus, MN. Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN and from 10-11 A.M. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. Stanislaus-Kostka Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN.
Arlene Brausen was born on September 7, 1942, in Little Falls, Minnesota, to the late Alfred and Mary (Becker) Hansmann. She grew up in Lastrup, where she attended grade school and later graduated from Pierz High School. Following high school, Arlene began working on the family farm. During this time, she met the love of her life, Marvin Brausen. The two were united in marriage on June 19, 1961, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Lastrup. Arlene was employed at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls, Minnesota, where she worked as a dietary aide. Caring for others came naturally to her, and that same care was evident in every part of her life. She loved visiting with friends, and no one was ever a stranger to Arlene. One of Arlene’s greatest joys was feeding people. She always made enough food to feed everyone, a trait she proudly passed on to her family. She will forever be remembered for her famous potato salad, fried chicken, and snapping turtle, meals that brought family and friends together around her table. Arlene’s love for Christmas was exceptional. There wasn’t a Christmas display she didn’t love. She delighted in decorating for the holiday with multiple Christmas trees, countless strands of lights, and festive décor throughout her home. Most important to her was having all of her family and friends gathered around her to celebrate the season she cherished so deeply. Arlene enjoyed shopping, especially trips to Wal-Mart. She was an avid animal lover who raised goats and chickens and took great pride in her gardens, growing beautiful flowers year after year. Above all, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren and looked forward to attending Hansmann family reunions. Arlene’s warmth, generosity, love of tradition, and devotion to family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
She is survived by husband, Marvin Brausen of Bowlus, MN; children, Steve (Joan) Brausen of Avon, MN, Paulette (Brian) Johnson of Grand Rapids, MN, Wanda (Steve) Rahn of Little Falls, MN, Debbie (Tom Loidolt) Brausen of Pierz, MN, Shannon (Eric Apland) Brausen of Big Lake, MN, Marvin Jr. (Heidi) Brausen of Little Falls, MN; brother, Arvin (Bev) Hansmann; 21 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Arlene was preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Mary Hansmann; siblings, Verna Pulak, Yvonne Prozinski, Dorothy Waytashek, Leola Ebertowski, Leo Hansmann and Lawrence Hansmann.