Arlene Buckneberg Ydstie

Arlene Dagmar Genevive Buckneberg Ydstie (April 28, 1928 – August 26, 2025) was an American composer, organist, and choral conductor. A native of Larson, North Dakota, she received a B.A. from Concordia College (Minnesota), where she studied choral conducting with Paul J. Christiansen. She married Richard Ydstie on December 21, 1952.

After her marriage, Arlene Ydstie studied composition at Central Washington State University, taught singing in Benton City, Washington, and was the church organist and choir director at Richland Lutheran Church in Richland, Washington.

Ydstie died on August 26, 2025, at the age of 97 in Seaside, Oregon.

Her compositions include: Ten Generations Ago (bicentennial pageant; 1976) There is a Treasure (choir; 1982) To Be or Not to Be (choir; 1974) Walk to Me, Jesus (1976)