Arylss Ann Bjornson, 84, died peaceably on Friday, January 31 ^st , 2020 in Altru Hospital Grand Forks ND surrounded by family.

Arylss was born May 17 ^th ,1935 in Grafton ND.  She was the daughter of John and Mildred (Larson) Evens. She attended school in Voss ND thru the third grade.  In 1947, her family moved from the farm into the city of Grafton.  Arylss was confirmed in the Grafton Lutheran Church.  She excelled academically and graduated in 1953 as valedictorian. She went on to study at Concordia College.  In her early career, she taught school in Minnesota and California before settling in Pelican Rapids as a second grade school teacher.   Arylss married Ed Strinden in October 1962 and they resided for many years on Prairie Lake outside of Pelican Rapids. Following Ed's passing, Arylss married Alvin Bjornson in June of 1992.  They had many good years together, splitting their time between their home and the cabin on Leech Lake near Walker MN.   In November 2019. Arlyss moved to East Grand Forks MN which gave her the opportunity to live closer to her god daughter Denise and other family members.  Arlyss was a staunch Republican and never shied away from a political conversation..  Arlyss will be forever remembered as a person that loved animals, especially her cats.

Arlyss is survived by: sister, Ramona Horter of Grafton ND, sister in law Judy Evens of St Paul MN and sister in law Lois Bekkerus of Moorhead MN.  Nieces and Nephews: Art Young Grand Forks ND, Doug Young Drayton ND,  Denise Horter Anderson East Grand Forks MN, Todd (Ellen) Horter Grafton ND,  Clay Horter  Grafton ND, Steve Feltman, Grand Rapids MN  Eric( Sarah ) Evens Minnetonka MN  Sara Evens Ramsey MN and Charles(Sue) Evens St Paul MN.   17 Great Nieces and Nephews and 4 Great Great Nieces and Nephews.  Stepchildren: Jody Bjornson Martinez Vadnais Heights MN,  Kevin Bjornson Seattle WA and Polly Bjornson Stephany Edina MN

Arlyss was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Ed Strinden and Alvin Bjornson, her sister Eulalie Young, her brother Morris Evens and her niece Laurie Horter Feltman.

Memorial Suggestions: Our Savior's Lutheran Church Barnesville MN or The C Edmund and Arlyss Strinden Scholarship Fund. As lifelong educators, both Ed and Arlyss believed in the power of education.  It is Arlyss's wish that the Strinden Scholarship Fund  lives on and continues to influence the life of a student from Pelican Rapids MN

Funeral Service : 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 302 3rd St NE, Barnesville, MN 56514

Visitation: 1 Hour Prior Memorial Service on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Barnesville, MN

Interment: Lake View Cemetery ~ Pelican Rapids, MN in the spring