Thief River Falls – Glen Arneson, of Thief River Falls, formerly of Roseau, County, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Thief River Falls.
Glen Wayne Arneson was born December 15, 1939, in Roseau, the son of Olaf and Jennie (Byfuglien) Arneson. He attended school in Roseau through 8th grade and graduated from Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, in 1957. In 1960 he attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute for mechanical drafting, graduating in 1962.
On August 1, 1959 he was united in marriage to Virginia Carlson at Riverside Lutheran Church in Wannaska. They adopted two daughters, Sheri and Joni.
Glen worked at Honeywell for 12 years, working on the Apollo Space Program, and Military Radar Low Range Systems.
In 1974 the family moved to Ross, MN and lived in the home he built from the ground up, something he was very proud of. He began employment at Polaris in 1976 where he worked on ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles, retiring in 2004. Glen had a grain farm and raised cattle. He also drove bus part-time for the Roseau school district. Virginia passed away in 2000.
On November 1, 2003, Glen was united in marriage to Donna Nelson at United Lutheran Church in Gatzke. Donna brought Dean, David, Dawn and Dan to the union. They lived near Middle River until 2012 when they moved to Thief River Falls.
Glen had strong Christian beliefs and throughout his life, he was an active member of the Lutheran Church. Glen served on the Dieter Township board, Concordia Lutheran Church Council and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Board of Trustees. He was also a member of the Golden Pioneers and Sons of Norway.
He was a perfectionist in everything he did. He enjoyed fishing and camping at Lake of the Woods. Glen enjoyed sporting events, especially hockey, traveling, and playing cards. He had a passion for yardwork and making sure it was perfect.
Glen is survived by his wife, Donna of Thief River Falls; daughter, Sheri Arneson of Winsted, MN; stepchildren, Dean Nelson of St. Paul, David (Nicole) Nelson of Bloomington, Dawn (Jeff) Ellis of Thief River Falls, and Dan (Carol) Nelson of Hopkins; grandchildren, Kailey Jacobsma of Red Wood Falls, Jordan (Jenny) Jacobsma of Cokato, and Nikolas (Heather) Jacobsma of Hutchinson; stepgrandchildren, Mike Ellis of Salol, Nicholas (Stephanie) Ellis of Minnetonka; great-grandchildren, Jaxx, Brekken, Kolby Glen Jacobsma, and Ellie Ellis; and sister-in-law, Marlys Arneson.
Glen is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia; daughter, Joni Arneson; siblings, Otto (Deloris) Arneson, Milton (Amy) Arneson, Elaine (Arnold) Turner and Jimmy Arneson.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, starting at 4 p.m., with a 6 p.m. prayer service, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.
The funeral service for Glen will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Ross, MN.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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