NEW ULM–Arlis M. Forstner, age 85, of New Ulm, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Divine Providence in Sleepy Eye.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, September 15th and will continue Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. all at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home NORTH CHAPEL, prior to the Mass.

Arlis is survived by her loving husband, Rollie Forstner; daughters, Carol (Lee) Case of Sleepy Eye, Jane Forstner of North Mankato, Paula Forstner of Esko, and Kelly Forstner of New Ulm; sons, Lee (Cathy) Forstner and Alan (Jewel) Forstner, both of New Ulm; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; siblings, Lorraine (Leon) Tauer of Sleepy Eye, Arthur Jr. “Artie” (Annie) Helget of New Ulm, Ardelle Domeier of New Ulm, and LuAnn Moldan of Sleepy Eye; sister-in-law Connie Reichensperger; son-in-law, Rollie DuChene as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Beth DuChene; and her brothers, Luverne “Satch” (Janet) Helget and Leon (LaDonna) Helget; in laws Gene and Evie, Kenny and Donna, Myron and Shirley Forstner, Lois and LuVerne Fischer, brother-in-laws, Fred Moldan, and Charles Reichensperger.

Arlis M. Forstner was born on December 30, 1939, in Sleepy Eye to Arthur Sr. and Louisa (Rothmeier) Helget. On December 2, 1961, she was united in marriage to Rollie Forstner in Sleepy Eye. This union blessed them with seven children. Arlis was a homemaker and an employee at PGI Mailers.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arlis enjoyed her flowers, casino trips and bingo at Divine. Getting together with her siblings to play sheephead or listening to old time music – especially played by her Helget relatives – were special treats. Her weekly hair appointments with Pam were not to be missed.

She was a 22 year survivor of multiple myeloma. A true miracle and tireless warrior. She became known as the “Rally Monkey” for all the times she pulled through when the odds were stacked against her.

Her family would like to thank her doctors at Mayo in Mankato and Rochester for the care that kept her with us for so many years, and the staff at Divine Providence in Sleepy Eye for the excellent care she received the past 3 years. They would especially like to thank Jody Juni who became family for the loving care she gave to our mom.