Grand Forks, ND – SMSGT (Ret.) Arnold W. Bartelson, 80, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, surrounded by family at Valley TCU and Red River Hospice, Grand Forks, ND.
Arnold was born Oct 4, 1943 in Thief River Falls, the son of the late Arthur and Gladys (Smith). He grew up in rural Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1962. He then graduated from the Area Vocational Technical School in Thief River Falls in 1966. In July of that year, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Serving his country for 22 years, he moved from Tucsan, AZ to Great Falls, MT, and finally to Grand Forks, ND in 1975. He retired in 1987 and worked at the Grand Forks AFB as a civilian until retiring again in 2007.
In 1985 he met Bonnie McMahon. Five months later they were joined in marriage and he became stepdad to Nicole and Michael Johnson.
Arnie spent 30 summers fishing walleyes and sunnys on Cass Lake, and was often accompanied by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was always working to improve his and Bonnie’s beautiful home. If Sioux hockey or Bison football was playing, Arnie’s TV was tuned in. In the evenings, you would find Arnie rocking in his chair on the back porch or tending to his vegetables and flowers.
Arnie is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gladys (Smith) Bartelson; and brother, Daryle Bartelson.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Bonnie (McMahon) Bartelson; daughter, Nicole (Gabor) Deli; son, Michael (Mia) Johnson; grandchildren, McKenzi (fiancé Stephen Sapaugh) Shelton, Sydni (Zachary) Schoen, Connor Johnson, and Kinlee Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin Sapaugh (12y), Weston Arnold Schoen (20m), and Eden Schoen (8w).
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Amundson Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., when the service will begin.
Military rites will be provided by Larimore American Legion Post #97 and the United States Air Force.
Interment will be at a later date in Thief River Falls.
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