Arlene Susan Lillis

Arlene Susan Lillis (Hartman) passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 56, while snorkeling in the in St. Croix, USVI, at her favorite beach.

Arlene was born on June 28, 1969, in Alexandria, MN, to Peter and Marietta Hartman. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, where she grew up. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1987 and went on to attend college at North Dakota State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

Arlene met her husband, Richard Lillis, in 1990, and they began dating in 1991. Shortly thereafter, she gave him the ultimatum to marry her as she prepared to move to Bremerton, WA to complete her residency. The couple got married on August 22, 1992, in Detroit Lakes. While living in Bremerton they welcomed their first child, Chandra, in 1994. Shortly after, they moved to St. Cloud, MN, where they built their life together. There, they welcomed their second child, Garrett, in 1997.

Arlene devoted her career to caring for others as a pharmacist, working many years at CentraCare in St. Cloud. She retired early. She and Richard split their time between their home in St. Croix and Detroit Lakes. Together they enjoyed biking, snorkeling, and indulging in happy hour while watching Jeopardy!.

Arlene embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. Arlene had a love for the water, where she enjoyed snorkeling, hunting for sea glass and Cheney, kayaking, and watching loons. She also enjoyed listening to music, playing games with friends, and shopping. In June 2025, she welcomed her first grandchild, she cherished every moment and delighted in snuggles. Arlene was a deeply caring person who loved her family above all else.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Marietta Hartman; her father-in-law, Jack Lillis; her stepmother in law, Eileen Lillis; her mother-in-law, Jean Lillis; and her sister-in-law, Sherry Lillis.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Lillis of Detroit Lakes, MN; her daughter, Chandra Rien (Cameron) of La Quinta, CA; her son, Garrett Lillis (Alexis) of Fargo, ND; her cherished granddaughter, Carter Lillis; her sister-in-law, Diane Lillis (Andy Heinle) of Bismarck, ND; her brothers-in-law, Steve Lillis of Rapid City, SD, Jerry Lillis of Lincoln, ND, and Bob Lillis (Danita) of Mandan, ND; her step-brothers-in-law, Jeff Grasto (Ranae) of Big Lake, MN, and Jay Grasto (Melissa) of McCloud, ND; her lifelong friends, Karen Charlson of Minneapolis, MN, and Mike and Marsha Danzeisen of St. Cloud, MN; and her many loving aunts and uncles.

She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she brightened.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the courageous citizens who came to Arlene’s aid, including Chris, Ryan, and Nina, and to any others whose selfless actions helped in those critical moments, as well as to the emergency responders and volunteers for their compassion and dedication.

A celebration of life for Arlene will be held at David Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on Monday January 26. Visitation will be held from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., with funeral services beginning at 12:00p.m.