Arla Tolppi 1935 – 2025
Arla Elmira (Hagerman) Tolppi of Sebeka, Minn., went to meet her Lord on Oct. 30, 2025, while on hospice care at Providence Villa in Sebeka, she was 90 years old. Her children, Linda Howes, Susan (Micheal) Shackelford, and LaDon (Holly) Howes were able to spend some time with her before her passing. Arla was born to Clarence and Dorothy (Tobey) Hagerman on Aug. 21, 1935 in Wing River township, Wadena County Minn.
While attending grade school her favorite subjects were art class and geography (where she got to draw and color maps.) Arla loved doing artsy things and she would make decorative items for the holidays to put up around our home. Later she took up card making and would make sure that she had cards ready for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. She would send them out faithfully year after year until her eyes made it too difficult to make them.
Arla loved her Savior and was a member of Blowers Chapel where she attended for many years. She had retired from her position as part of the janitorial staff at Sebeka Public school after 24 years of service. After retirement she was active in several clubs and faithfully helped with meals for the annual Crow Wing Wilderness Trail rides. She enjoyed helping others in any way that she could, but she really enjoyed being a grandma and then a great grandma to Susan’s children: Austin (Dorothy) Shackelford (Samuel and Daniel), and LaNaya (Joshua) Anderson (Benjamin and Loial). And while she did not get to see them very often, she loved them very much.
Arla is preceded in passing by her parents, brothers Elmo (Buelah) Hagerman and Roger Hagerman, and her sister Delora (William) Boyer. Nephews Roger and Bill Hagerman, and Kyle Boyer. Along with Charles Price, Edward Howes, Edwin Tolppi, and a good friend Marvin Burgau.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arla chose to be cremated and will be interred at the City of Sebeka West Cemetery; a Celebration of Life will be held on the afternoon of May 2, 2026, at Blower’s Chapel, 42772 Co. Hwy 19, Sebeka, Minn., 56601. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Camp JIM, Pillager, Minn. www.campjim.org. Or send Arla’s favorite flower, a single yellow rose to represent your family. (Both would be appreciated.)
Arrangements are entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home of Sebeka. Online condolences may be left at www.wevleyfuneralhome.com. 11-12c