Fern L. Arneson

Fern Lorraine Arneson, age 96, of Edmore, ND died at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND on June 17, 2022.

Fern was born on March 19, 1926, near Edmore, ND to Elling and Alma (Sander) Holm.  The eighth of nine children, she was never a stranger to hard work, yet there was never a complaint to be heard.  From early on, summers were spent working for local farm families for room and board, earning school supplies and a dress in exchange for a summers’ worth of labor.

Fern graduated with the class of 1944 from Edmore High School.  She married Allan Arneson, and from there she raised two sons, shared labor on the farm, spent about 15 years as bookkeeper for the Edmore Johnson Store, and then went to be an exceptional school cook for Edmore Schools, with her sister Esther Viger, for almost 20 years.  Former students still fondly address Fern as their “cafeteria mom.”  During retirement, Fern enjoyed travel with her sister Donna Holum and served her church and community in all ways.

Fern had a love for Bible study, music, dancing, curling, reading, gardening, baking, and more.  She was a very active member at Concordia Lutheran in Edmore.  Mostly, Fern loved friends and family in her space.  After Allan’s death in 1993, Fern especially focused her time on looking after her four grandchildren nearby and to visit grandson James in California, as able.  For these and all kids, she always had a place in her heart, her lap, and a sweet treat in hiding.

One of the strongest and most selfless people anyone could ever meet, Fern always had help to offer, a listening ear, and a strong hand to hold.  She had a witty sense of humor and was so genuine and loving.  She started each day with a “Good Morning God” prayer and often made up a tune to match fun thoughts in her mind.  There is no doubt that anyone who knew Fern was truly blessed to have had the honor.

Fern’s loving and spirited nature will live on through her family, son Keith (Becky Rudel) Arneson, Rochert MN; grandchildren Kyle (Frannie) Arneson, Wentworth SD;  Kellen (Annie) Arneson, Grand Forks ND;  Kelsey (Nicholi Knutson) Arneson, Fargo ND;  Keaton (Amanda) Arneson, Grand Forks ND:,  James Arneson, Apple Valley CA; and step-grands Heidi (Jason Anderson) Torgerson, Oak Park IL; Jill (Nicolas) Titze, Plymouth MN; and Kristen (partner Shane Clauthier) Torgerson, Fargo ND.  She is also survived by adoring great-grandchildren: Kamdyn, Kase, & Korinne, and Khloe & Kaiser Arneson and step great-grands: Ole, Kate, & Sebastian and Isla & Elin; and Kristy & little Ava Hoime, who were like family to Fern.  She is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews and a gigantic circle of wonderful friends of all ages, from Edmore to Cotton Lake (MN) and beyond.

Awaiting Fern in heaven were her husband, Allan Arneson, son Bruce Arneson, daughter-in-law Susan Arneson, 3 brothers, 6 sisters, nieces and nephews, and countless saints whom she loved and missed dearly during her time here on earth.

In celebration of Fern’s life, services will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Edmore, ND on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10:30 AM.  The family will receive visitors at the church from 9:30 AM till the celebration begins.  A family interment service will be at St. Ansgar Cemetery, rural Edmore. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St Ansgar Cemetery, PO Box 115, Edmore, ND  58330 or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA  01061-0515.  Thank you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fern L. Arneson, please visit our floral store.