Arla McWaters

Arla Minerva McWaters, age 86, of Dennison, MN, passed away at her home early Saturday morning, January 6, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.

Arla was born August 19, 1931, in Red Wing, MN, the youngest daughter of Oscar and Annette Skaro.  She was baptized and confirmed at Urland Lutheran Church near Cannon Falls, MN.  She grew up on her parent’s family farm near Dennison, MN, and attended country school.  She graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1949, and later married Gerald W. McWaters on June 20, 1953, at Urland Lutheran Church.  Prior to marriage, she worked as a nurse’s aide at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul.  After marriage, she and Jerry moved to California for two years, moving back to Minnesota in 1956, to begin farming on Arla’s family farm in rural Dennison.  Arla spent most of her life on this farm, as a homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Arla served as organist at Urland Lutheran Church for over 60 years. She valued her faith in God and was an active member of Urland her entire life.  She taught Sunday School, participated in Bible Studies and Ladies Aide.  She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and was actively involved in the yearly Syttende Mai celebration, organizing the music, sewing costumes and accompanying the children’s choir.  She loved lutefisk and Nettie’s lefsa.  Family traditions were very important.  Every Christmas Day, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would perform a Christmas program including music and story.

She was a loving, caring and supportive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  As an active 4-H leader, she enjoyed being involved and helping with their projects, attending their events and admiring their accomplishments. She helped raise her two oldest granddaughters, Annie & Megan, in their home.  She was so proud of all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!  Arla will be remembered most for her love and dedication to her family.  She was an inspiration to all and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Arla is survived by her six children, Prudence (Michael) Busch of Chanhassen, MN, Craig McWaters of Dennison, MN, Kimberly (Rick) Miller of Morristown, MN; Tamara McWaters of Cannon Falls, MN; Ross (Lori) McWaters of Dennison, MN, and Stacy (Chad) Larson of Cannon Falls, MN; Grandchildren, Annie (Derek) Neumann, Megan (Mark) Conway, Kristina (Andy) Waugh, Samantha (Nick) Schwartz, Elizabeth (William) York, Aaron (Robyn) Busch, Justin (Larissa) Larson, Jordan & Alison Larson and Natalie McWaters; Great-Grandchildren, Emma & Jonathan Neumann, Madison, Marley & Mackston Conway, Mason & Miles Waugh,  Taycie & Stellie Schwartz; Sister, Beulah Jameson of Silver Spring, Maryland; Sisters-in-Law, Lucille McWaters and Verna McWaters, both of Zumbrota, MN; Goddaughter, Dawn Lorenson; Godson, Jerold Berg; many nieces and nephews who were very special to her; and her dog, Tosten.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald McWaters, on July 27, 2007; Parents, Oscar and Annette Skaro; Siblings, Shirley Prink, Joyce L. Skaro & Truman Skaro; In-Laws, Willard Prink, Joyce E. Skaro, Howard Jameson, Eileen Lexvold, Bud McWaters, Babe McWaters & Pearl McWaters.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 10:30 am, the Urland Lutheran Church, 6940 County 9 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN  55009. Visitation will be from 4-8 pm, Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Lundberg Funeral Home. 5839 Highway 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in the Urland Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Urland Lutheran Cemetery or the Urland Lutheran Church Organ Fund.