Arlene Hawbaker

Buckeye, Ariz.

Arlene Hawbaker (59) of Buckeye, Arizona died at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday March 21, 2023 after the devastating effects of pancreatic cancer.

Arlene was born September 17th 1963 in Minot, ND to parents Ron and Pat Heizelman. Arlene grew up in Velva, ND with her parents and younger sister Karen and graduated from Velva High School. Arlene had a love of nursing from a small child and started “candy striping” at St Joseph’s hospital in Minot at the age of 15. She graduated from Minot State University College of Nursing in 1985 and started her nursing career at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

In 2000 a nurse at Trinity Hospital was chastised by the doctors there because she introduced Arlene to her brother, Bob Hawbaker; the doctors and staff at Trinity Hospital were so disappointed to lose a respected, much beloved nurse when Arlene moved to Denver, Colorado a short time later. Bob and Arlene were united in marriage in December 2001 in Minot and began their life in Colorado. In 2003 they welcomed their greatest joy, a daughter, Andrea.

In 2003 Arlene was part of the “start up team” of nursing staff at the new Sky Ridge Hospital in Lone Tree, Colorado. At Sky Ridge Arlene continued her nursing career for the next 20 years, delighting doctors and co-workers with her excellent care for patients and her beautiful attitude and work ethic. In 2022, after successfully sending Andrea off to college, Bob and Arlene moved to the warmer climate of Arizona.

Outside of work, Arlene was a world class shopper, always well prepared with her gifts for people on birthdays and holidays. Arlene also loved attending Andrea’s band events throughout her school years and was a wonderful, encouraging mother, who became her daughter’s best friend as she grew to adulthood.

Arlene is survived by her husband Bob Hawbaker, Buckeye, AZ, daughter Andrea Hawbaker, Fargo, ND, parents Ron and Pat Heizelman, Denver, CO and sister Karen Collins, Denver, CO, and Aunts and Uncles and Cousins in ND and WY, also including many friends and co-workers who will dearly miss her.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 5, 2023.