Arlene Hazel (Brooks) Voecks

Arlene Hazel Voecks, age 87 of Monticello, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, April 18, 2024. She was born in Blue Earth County on July 14, 1936 to Orville and Florence (Kermeen) Brooks.

Arlene attended Mankato State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education. She was a dedicated home economics teacher at Albert Lea High School for 5 years, and food product scientist with Cargill for 25 years until her retirement. In 1997 while at Cargill, Arlene invented the egg patty that was used by McDonald’s egg McMuffin. She had two US patents because of this project.

Arlene and Robert “Bob” Voecks met at a dance at the Mankato Ballroom. They were united in marriage on July 17, 1959 in Blue Earth, MN and were blessed with two children, Victoria and William. The two shared nearly 59 years of marriage filled with love and cherished memories.

Arlene was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Monticello, where she and Bob served. She enjoyed sewing and cooking. Above all else, Arlene cherished spending quality time with her family, especially her granddaughters. She was their biggest supporter, never missing an opportunity to attend their sporting events and music performances. Arlene was known for her unwavering work ethic and compassionate nature. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to everyone.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Voecks; parents, Orville and Florence Brooks; and brothers, Lawrence and John Brooks.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Victoria O’Gara; son, William Voecks; granddaughters, Vanessa and Corissa O’Gara; brothers, Lester (Jane), George, James (Sherry) and Harold Brooks; and many other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the BeeHive Homes of Elk River or Resurrection Lutheran Church in Monticello.

A special thank you to the staff, residents and family at BeeHive Homes of Elk River for making the last few months with our Mom and Grandma so special and comforting.

A visitation will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9300 Jason Ave NE, Monticello, MN. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9300 Jason Ave NE, Monticello, MN. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Mapleton, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com

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