Arlene Jean Hedahl Hamernik

Arlene Jean Hedahl Hamernik, age 88, of Fridley, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025. Arlene was born on a farm near Twin Valley, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church and graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1954. Arlene attended North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU) and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She graduated in 1958. It was there that she met Ed Hamernik, and they married on June 20, 1959.

Arlene was proud of her Home Economics Education degree, and she used it to make a difference in the lives of others. She taught high school in Jamestown, North Dakota, junior high in Minneapolis, and led 4-H and community education classes in sewing and cooking. In the 1970s, she became a pioneer in microwave cooking, serving as the first demonstrator of microwave ovens in the U.S. for Litton and developing microwave cooking lesson plans used worldwide. She also sold over 26,000 copies of her cookbook, 101 Microwave Favorites Plus 4. Arlene later worked for 17 years in customer service at Pillsbury and General Mills.

Throughout her life, she was actively involved in her church, her local elementary school, and community organizations including Home Ec groups and Sokol MN. After retiring, Arlene poured her heart into volunteer work, particularly with the St. Philip’s Lutheran Church Mitten Makers, sewing thousands of hats and mittens for those in need. She loved opening her home to others and graciously hosted two exchange students who remain part of the family today.

Above all, Arlene treasured her family and she cherished the time she spent with them. Her greatest joy was being a loving mother and grandmother. Arlene’s warm spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Ed; children Craig (Lori) Hamernik of Hillsdale, WI, and Marcia (Dan) Oltrogge of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Lucas Hamernik of Ridgeland, WI, Alaina Oltrogge of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Steve (Nicole) Oltrogge of Denver, CO, and Megan (Andy) Tjader of Altoona, WI; her sister Marianne (Chuck) Erlien of Circle Pines, MN; many nieces and nephews; and former Rotary exchange students Jouni Niemi (Finland) and Carol Muller-Grau (South Africa/USA).

A memorial service for Arlene will be held at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley on Friday, April 4, at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. The service will be live-streamed at splcmn.org. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, 6180 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432