Arlene Stromback

Arlene Donna Stromback, 90, of Red Wing passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025 at Valentines Assisted Living in Red Wing. She was born in Otter Tail County, MN on June 29, 1935. She grew up on a farm in Pine Island with her parents, Delbert and Alice (Swenson) McGowan.

After graduating from Pine Island High School in 1953, Arlene began her career in banking at the Security State Bank in Pine Island. On October 18, 1957, she married Charles Stromback who she dated in high school. The couple moved to Red Wing and had two sons. Arlene was a dedicated, versatile and detail-oriented employee at Goodhue County National Bank for decades, retiring in 1997. For over forty years, Charles and Arlene built a life in Red Wing and were engaged in Red Wing’s community. They had a loving marriage built on support, companionship, fun, laughter, family values and a sense of adventure.

Sadly, Charles, passed away in 2001. She later found love, companionship and support with Dwight Gustafson, whom she met through a grief group. They married on November 8, 2003. Dwight passed away in 2023.

Staying active and engaged in the lives of her sons, grandchildren, and friends was something Arlene truly enjoyed. She attended countless activities, including those of her grandchildren, and was an enthusiastic participant in square dancing. She was also an active member and volunteer at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing. She loved traveling, which was reflected in her extensive and well-organized photo albums and souvenirs, which her family enjoyed for years to come.

Arlene is survived by her two sons and their families: Steve and Mary Stromback, their daughters Cara and Amanda Stromback, Mark Stromback and Carolyn Klucas, their sons Matthew Klucas and Luke Stromback. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and the children of Dwight: Kari Berit (John Chamberlin), Anne Gustafson, Steven Agustus, and David Gustafson, along with Dwight’s many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Alice McGowan, her husbands, Charles Stromback and Dwight Gustafson, and her siblings, Genevieve Helmbrecht and Laverne McGowan.

A private service will be held, with burial following at Pine Island Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to the caregivers who cared for her during her final days.

She will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, a doting grandmother, and an active community member who lived a vibrant life filled with love, service, and adventure.