Arleen Greengo Obituary

Arleen “Lollie” Greengo passed away on July 31, 2025 at the age of 91.

Lollie was born in Faulkton, South Dakota on December 17, 1933.  At a young age she moved to Fairmont, Minnesota with her family. She graduated from Fairmont High School in 1951. While in school she was involved in gymnastics, cheerleading, and the Methodist Youth Fellowship. In the fall of 1951, Lollie enrolled at Mankato State Teachers College and received her Teaching Certificate. In 1953, she accepted a sixth grade teaching job in Albert Lea.

While teaching in Albert Lea she met Richard “Dick” Greengo. Lollie and Dick were married on June 3, 1956 at the Fairmont Methodist Church. They moved to Mankato for two years where Dick completed his college degree and Lollie taught elementary school and completed her four year BS degree at Mankato State.

The Greengos moved to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1958 where Dick accepted a job teaching art at the Alexandria High School. They had three children, Paul, Jack, and Martha. Lollie was a “stay at home mom” until her children entered school. During that time, she was very active in the Alexandria Methodist Church serving on many committees. In 1972, all of her children were in school and Lollie returned to teaching.

In 1972, she accepted a job teaching at Lincoln School in Alexandria. In 1974, she began teaching Special Education at Washington and Zion School until her retirement in 1990. Lollie truly enjoyed teaching Special Education and became life-long friends with many of her students.

In retirement, Lollie spent 10 years doing volunteer research for the Douglas County Genealogical Society helping others find their family history, and volunteering at the Douglas County Historical Society. She wrote a book titled “As Far As I Know” that traced Dick and Lollie’s genealogy as a gift for her children. International travel was also a big part of their retirement.

Lollie was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” Greengo; her daughter Martha; Parents Milo and Dora Ellenbecker; brother Mickey Ellenbecker; sister-in-law Lo Jean Lee; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bud and Mary Jane Brown; and brother-in-law Roger Greengo.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Greengo and Jack (Michelle) Greengo; Grandson Gavin Greengo; sister Marsha (Skip) Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

Lollie had a deep spiritual faith throughout her life which she shared with her family and many friends. She often reminded others to “choose to be happy”.

The family would like to thank the staff at Grand Arbor for the kind and loving care they provided for Lollie. A special thank you to Moments Hospice. You all are much appreciated.

A Memorial Service will be held on August 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Minnesota. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.

The family asks that memorials are made to Alexandria United Methodist Church or the Alexandria Education Foundation.