Vincent Davis Arnold died in Rochester, Minn., on January 31, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born on July 9, 1948, in Preston, Minn.
Vince, or Bim as he was affectionately known, grew up in a loving family in Fountain, Minn., alongside his four brothers and one sister. The son of Charles and Audrey (Anderson) Arnold, he was a proud graduate of Preston High School, where he thrived on the wrestling team and was later honored with induction into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Vince earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University, where he met the love of his life, Ann Marie Spelhaug. They were married on July 24, 1971, in Chatfield, Minn., beginning a journey together that would span 54 years of marriage, three children, and five grandchildren. Together, Ann and Vince shared a passion for adventuring which led them on numerous vacations and road trips – including travels to Europe, South America and the Arctic Circle.
He went on to build a successful and distinguished career as a computer programmer at IBM in Rochester, where he worked from 1975 until his retirement in 2010. Over his 35-year tenure, Vince contributed to several major projects during a formative era in computing. Notably, in 1987, he was involved in a groundbreaking project in the field of artificial intelligence.
Vince’s greatest joy in life was his family. He especially treasured summer weekends at the campground and the annual Arnold family vacation in northern Minnesota, where four generations gather each year to share laughter and singalongs around a campfire. His sharp sense of humor, kind nature, and deep devotion to his roles as a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle were the hallmarks of his life. Never without a quick joke, his trademark humor left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved him.
Vince is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann; his children Alan (Lisa) and Michael (Laura), his grandchildren Katie, Stella, Davis, Alma and Eden; his siblings Steve (Sheila) Arnold, Jon (Teri) Arnold, Don (Lori) Arnold, Jerry Arnold (special friend Chris Berg), and Liz (R.J.) Traff; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Jessica, and his sister-in-law Becky Arnold.
Vince will be laid to rest at Watson Creek Cemetery in Preston, Minn. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, May 23, from 2-5 p.m. with a short service starting at 3 p.m. at the Fountain Community Center, where all are welcome to gather and share memories.
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