Arne M Arneson

Arne M. Arneson, 84, Bismarck, passed away into the Lord’s arms on January 6, 2023.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Donna, his daughter, Tamra (Darrel) Hellman, son Rick Arneson, brother, Richard, all of Bismarck, grandsons Connor and Christopher Hellman whom he adored and loved very much.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in laws.

Arne was born to Helmer and Lillie (Lien) Arneson on December 12, 1938, in Bismarck.  He grew up on the family farm near Arena, ND and was educated in a one room schoolhouse from grades one thru eight.  He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1957 where he was actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Arne enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961 and shortly thereafter was called up during the Berlin crisis with Russia.  On October 6, 1962, Arne married the love of his life Donna Jean Small at the First Presbyterian Church in Bismarck which he was a member of for over 40 years.

Arne had a successful career with the State of North Dakota for 42 years as a computer programmer in the Data Processing department and as an IT manager in the Department of Transportation.  He was also an active member of the Army National Guard for 33 years and achieved the level of Master Sergeant.

One of Arne’s greatest passions was being in the great outdoors.  He was an avid and skilled hunter and went on many hunting excursions with his “hunting buddies”.  Some of his most memorable hunting trips were hunting caribou in Alaska, elk hunting in Montana, bear hunting in Minnesota, and wild boar hunting in Texas. A proud achievement of Arne’s was winning a deer hunting contest in the state of Wyoming in 1965.  Out of 72 registered hunters, Arne shot the biggest buck and was presented with the top award from the governor of Wyoming, there was a subsequent article and picture of Arne with the governor which was published in a local Wyoming paper as well as the Bismarck Tribune.  Arne was also very active in the bow hunting community and was president of the Nishu Bowmen Club and also a member of the Pope and Young club.

Arne’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping with his family, golf, bowling, and gardening, attending high school basketball games and dancing at the Elks Club where he was a member for over 50 years.  He also loved hanging out with his dogs Chico and Buddy in the backyard, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and enjoying a good Western movie. Arne had a wonderful sense of humor and had one liner sayings that put a smile on your face and made you laugh.

Arne is preceded in death by his parents Helmer and Lillie, his father and mother in-law Robert and Adeline Small, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The Arne Arneson family would like to thank St. Vincent’s care team who cared for Arne these past few months.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 12, at First Presbyterian Church, 214 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 6:00 PM, Wednesday, January 11, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck with a prayer service starting at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.