Gerald B. Arnzen, age 79 of St. Rosa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at his home near St. Rosa, Minn.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Oct. 25, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa with Rev. Dan Walz. Interment was in the parish cemetery.
Gerald Ben Arnzen was born Oct. 28, 1936, to Henry and Anna
(Ritter) Arnzen in St. Rosa, Minnesota on their family farm. Gerald’s final wish was to die in the same house he was born, which he did. Gerald was united in marriage to Arlene Middendorf on Sept. 2, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Together they farmed until they retired in 1996. Gerald also worked for his brothers at Arnzen Contruction and Arnzen Trucking.
Gerald was an active member of the St. Rose of Lima Church in St. Rosa and also took care of marking the cemetery plots for over 40 years. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and charter member of the St. Rosa Lions, where he received the Helen Keller and Melvin Jones awards. He was a very proud member of the Lions and the membership director.
Gerald’s passions were farming, playing cards, fishing, hunting, and driving his 4-wheeler and golf cart. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. His fondest memories are taking the kids fishing to Wolf Lake, going to St. Rosa for a drink, and just having people over to visit. His kind heart, big smile, well-known voice with lots of stories will be deeply missed.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arlene of St. Rosa; his children, John (Lillian) Arnzen, Bonnie (Mark) Stangler, Henry Arnzen, Mike (Beth) Arnzen, Fred (Linda) Arnzen, all of St. Rosa, and Julie (Jerry) Engelmeyer of Merrifield, MN; sister, Emily (Denis)
Schneider of Meire Grove; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna Arnzen; brothers, Jerome, Joe, Roy, and Virgil Arnzen; and sister, Rita Boeckermann.
Serving as casket bearers were John Arnzen, Henry Arnzen, Mike Arnzen, Fred Arnzen, Mark Stangler, and Jerry Engelmeyer. Cross bearer was Jason Arnzen and scripture bearer was Sara
Revermann. Reader was Jodi Maus and petitions were ead by Brenda Greeley. Gift bearers were Cassandra and Jordan Arnzen. Mass servers were Luke and Eli Engelmeyer. Serving as honorary pallbearers were the St. Rosa Lions.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
