Arlin “Arnie” Arneson

Arlin “Arnie” Arneson, 84, of rural Canton, died Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel.  

Arnie was born November 5, 1940, in Decorah, Iowa, to Leonard and Vivian (Headington)  Arneson.  He graduated from Canton High School with the class of 1958. On June 27, 1964, he married Karen Wilbur at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel.  They lived in the Canton area their entire married life.  He farmed for several years and had dairy and beef herds.  He later started Arnie’s Trucking and for over 40 years hauled grain throughout the southeastern Minnesota and northeast Iowa area. He was a member of the Mabel Lions Club and the Mabel First Lutheran Church. Arnie had served on the church council and the Mabel-Canton School Board. He enjoyed playing softball, polka dancing with Karen, playing Euchre, and watching Minnesota sports teams, especially the Gophers. His family would rent a bus to watch the Gophers play the Hawkeyes. 

Arnie is survived by his two daughters, Susie (Mike) Munroe of Canton, Minn., and Sara Elton (Matt Behrens) of Stewartville; six grandchildren: Taylor (Brittney) Jarland, Jordan Jarland, Paige (Matt) Floen, Lauren (Isaak) Solum, Bailey Arneson and Grace Elton; great-grandchildren Friea, Mya, Lincoln, Nina, Cameron, Ronan and Ander; his brother Craig (Robin) Arneson of Lakeville, and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Karen, a son, Richard; and his parents.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2024, the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel, Minn., with the Rev. Anders Nelson officiating.  Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be 4–7 p.m. Thursday, December 26 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church and one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mabel First Lutheran Church. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.