Donald E. Arneson, 84, Minot, formerly of Sherwood and Antler, ND, died Friday, December 14, 2007, in a Minot hospital.

Donald E. Arneson was born August 17, 1923, in Eden Valley Township of Renville County, east of Sherwood, ND, to Thomas and Lillian (Forschen) Arneson. He was raised and educated in Wheaton Township of Bottineau, County, ND.

Donald enlisted in the US Army and served in the Pacific Theatre of World War II and was honorably discharged on November 1946. Following his discharge, he returned to Mohall.

Donald was united in marriage to Edna Mae Larson on March 20, 1948 in the Lutheran parsonage in Mohall, ND. They made their home on a farm located 22 miles northeast of Mohall, where Donald was employed as a farmhand for Elof and Art Pearson for 38 years until his retirement in 1982. In addition to his employment, Donald ran his own farming operation with Edna, raising pigs, chickens, and a very large garden. They moved in to Mohall in the early 90's and settled in Minot in 1996.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and the American Legion, both of Mohall. He enjoyed woodworking, photography, fishing and hunting. Donald was blessed with a sense of humor and always carried himself with a smile, no matter the situation. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

Surviving family includes: Loving wife of 60 years, Edna Mae, Minot; Children: Rodney Arneson, Aurea, CO, Wesley (Ramona) Arneson, Minot, Doug (Kathy) Arneson, Mandan, Donald Jr. Arneson, Fargo, Karen (Preston) Greenlee, Minot, ND and Kathy (John) Haines, Tewksbury, MA; Fourteen Grandchildren; Thirteen Great-Grandchildren; Brothers and Sisters: Doris Engstrom, Westhope, Shirley Kissner, Antler, Howard Arneson, Antler, Delno Arneson, Antler, Sherman Arneson, Burnsville, MN, Robert Arneson, Aberdeen, SD, and Kathleen Beckedahl, Mohall; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters.

Funeral: Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall, ND
Interment: Mohall Community Cemetery, Mohall, ND;
Visitation: Tuesday, December 18, 2007, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the George T. Taylor American Legion Post #52 of Mohall at PO Box 94, Mohall, ND 58761, or to an organization of the donor's choice.