Arvilla Brill

Arvilla M. Brill, 81, a resident of Wadena, and formerly of New York Mills, died Monday, September 5, 2011, at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, Minnesota. She was born September 28, 1929, in Eagle Valley Township in Todd County, Minnesota, the second child of Thomas John and Alice Marie (Gaboury) Warner. Her parents farmed near Clarissa, Minnesota. Arvilla attended first through fourth grades at District 88 in Todd County. Her family then moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1943. Arvilla attended Balsz School in Phoenix during grades five through eight, and then attended Phoenix Union High School, graduating in 1947. After graduation, Arvilla returned to Clarissa, Minnesota where she worked candling eggs. Arvilla married Curtis Brill on February 26, 1949, in Wadena, Minnesota. Later that year they purchased a farm in Homestead Township and farmed there for over 50 years, starting out with sheep, pigs, chickens and dairy cattle and later they raised beef cattle. Arvilla and Curtis worked together in their farming operation. Arvilla was an avid gardener and loved her flowers. She was known for her canning, baking and cooking. Sewing and crafts were a big part of her life, and she liked reading and doing crossword puzzles. Arvilla also enjoyed camping and fishing. In 2007 Curtis and Arvilla left the farm and moved to New York Mills. In 2008 they moved to Wadena, Minnesota. Arvilla was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Alice; her step-mother, Arica; and her sister, Bernadine. She is survived by her husband, Curtis of Wadena; her daughter, Linda (John) Wright of Erhard; two grandsons, Matthew (Katie) Wright of Kingwood, TX, and Mitchell (Leslie) Wright of Fergus Falls; a brother, Jerome Warner of Mesa, AZ; a half-brother, Richard (Garnet) Warner of Chaska, MN; a half-sister, Beverly Warner of Mt. Prospect, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Memorials are preferred to Hospice in Fergus Falls or Wadena. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2011, at Olson Funeral Home Clergy: Reverend Brad Soenksen Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.