Clifford A. "Cliff" Arneson, 98, Westhope, formerly of Minot and Upham, died Thursday, July 30, 2009 in the Westhope Home.

Clifford was born February 5, 1911 at rural Butte, North Dakota, the son of Arne and Maria (Neilson) Arneson. He was raised and educated near Butte, and entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre of operations.

Cliff was united in marriage to Lillian Zieman in November of 1949. They made their home on a farm west of Upham, where they farmed and raised their children. After retiring from farming he served the community of Upham as a policeman, worked at the Elevator there and at one time owned and operated the gas station. Lillian died in 1998.

Cliff moved to Minot in 1992 and made his home at the Parker Suites, where he enjoyed the social life that it provided. He enjoyed playing a good game of cards, and although his eyesight was failing him, he often won at pinochle and whist. He maintained a great attitude toward his life in his later years at the Westhope Home. His sense of humor always showed a quick wit. He enjoyed listening to local high school and Minot State basketball games during the winter months.

Cliff was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Upham and the Upham American Legion Post #269 for more than 63 years.

He is survived by his children, Roger Arneson, Vickie (Jim) Lervik Minot, Carla Arneson, and stepdaughter, Marcella Zieman; grandchildren, Jared and Carrie Lervik, both of Fargo; sisters, Gladys Olson, Fargo, Ethel Lloyd, Martha Davenport, Helen Myers, and Ardella (Robert) Lapointe, all of California, Violet Myers, Montana and a sister-in-law, Lois Arneson, California.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Ted Arneson, brothers, Ryder, Edwin and Ernest, and a sister, Mildred Marsh.

Funeral service : Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Upham.
Interment: Butte Community Cemetery.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00-7:00pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.