Arleta Young

Arleta M. Young, age 95, passed away peacefully at CHI Health Mercy Hospital November 6, 2025.

Arleta Minnie Young was born July 19, 1930 in Keg Township of rural Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her parents, Harry James and Vera Regina (Knickman) Nusser raised Arleta along with her older brother, Loren and younger sister, Carolyn. They grew up together on a small family farm in Iowa.

It took a short 19 years before Arleta met the love of her life, Darrell. They met on a blind date that actually didn't go so well. Darrell made it clear that, had he known she lived on a dirt road, he never would have picked her up! It took him about three weeks after that to come to his senses. We are all so glad he did because not long after, Darrell and Arleta were walking together on his parents' farm, when he stopped her by the barn and asked her to marry him. She responded, "I thought you'd never ask!" Darrell recently recalled this story and added that when she said yes, "they were the two happiest people you had ever met".

The happiness they found at 19 and 22, followed them and grew throughout their lives into a beautiful family of six with the births of their four daughters, Deanna, Marlene, Susan and Jean. When the girls reached high school, Darrell and Arleta began fostering and welcomed Julie and Kevin into their home, hearts and family forever.

As Arleta and Darrell raised their family, he farmed and she took care of their home and children, washing and folding the never-ending piles of cloth diapers, gardening, making meals, creating and sewing their clothes, including each of the four girls' wedding dresses. It's been said that she inherited her mother's gift of keeping a very clean and tidy house. It was evident that Arleta took great care in making their home "just right" in the most welcoming way. When walking up the sidewalk to the front door, you could feel the warmth of what was waiting inside, before the door even opened. When it did, you were met with a smile and the laughter of joy at the sight of you. She always had open arms as an invitation to, "come, sit, tell me everything". And then, she listened. Arleta always listened. She was intentional with everyone and she didn't expect anything, but for you to be you.

Darrell and Arleta never thought of themselves as "old" and they never stopped living.

The love between them took them on many adventures. They went to sporting events, art shows and concerts. They were travelers. Visiting many countries over five continents including Israel where they were baptized in the Jordan river and Costa Rica where they served as missionaries over the span of many years. Darrell loved flying and visiting places with her. She most definitely felt the same about that time with him. Though no adventure compared to witnessing their four girls grow into women of faith, marry Godly men and over the years, celebrate 20 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, who, when she is old enough, may just hear about all this adventure and all this love.

One thing is for sure. Arleta greatly valued spending time with Darrell and their family. They loved watching sporting events on television and she loved muting the broadcasters that annoyed her. Making candy or texting in real time about the Iowa game with her sister Carolyn, making glass beads that became beautiful jewelry with her daughter Jean and with Darrell's silverwork. She was an artist, gifted at creating things, curious, always a student, and always enjoying the unique things of God's creation. She was a giver. Hosting holidays with gifts for all. She spent many years crafting porcelain dolls from, hand painting their delicate features to designing and sewing their intricate dresses and styling their hair.

Arleta was the best at intentional listening and conversation, all without judgement. Her responses were measured, thoughtful and always came with coffee. You couldn't visit without being offered a meal, snack or stick of gum.

Late night card games with her grandchildren were full of laughter and she accumulated enough wins to make even her most competitive grandchildren, admit that, "She was 'pretty good!'" She took every opportunity to dive into her 44 great-grandchildren's hobbies in any way she could. She loved recognizing and embracing others' giftings.

Arleta was a woman of wisdom and integrity who lived with an open home, open arms and an open heart. Above all else, she loved Jesus. Understanding that she needed a Savior was not an easy thing for Arleta but once she did, her faith in the Lord, steadily led her through her life. She experienced joy, heartbreak and everything in between, all the while remaining focused on her Savior. In Him she found an anchor. He was her promise, her source of joy. Her relationship with Jesus was the foundation of everything she was. All the things we love about her, begin with Him. She would want us to know that. She would want us to know Him.

What an honor it has been to be a part of her 95 years of life, to love her, to be loved by her and ultimately, through her, to be loved by the Creator of it all.

Arleta was preceded in passing from this earth to the Creator's side, by her brother Loren, her daughter Jean Enke, her great-grandson Elias Brandt and her brother-in-law Bernard Bryant.

"Search me, oh God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me to the way everlasting!" -Psalm 139:23-24

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, November 14, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Memorials are suggested to Harvest Church of Minden Iowa.