Howard Carlson Arneson of Cambridge died at The Fountains at Hosanna in Lakeville, MN on October 13, 2014.
Howard was born May 12, 1916, in East Union, MN (Carver County) the son of Carl A. and Alice Carlson Arneson. He was baptized in the East Union Lutheran Church and attended the two-room school in East Union through the sixth grade. In 1927 the Arneson family moved to Pasadena, CA. Howard attended and graduated from John Marshall Junior High School in Pasadena and graduated from Cambridge High School with the class of 1933. After high school he operated the Shell Service Station in Cambridge, worked for the Gamble Store and operated the Cities Service Gas Station. He then went to Santa Monica, CA and worked as an instrument mechanic for General Aircraft Instrument Service at the Los Angeles Airport. After Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the US Navy serving in Minneapolis, Chicago and Norfolk, VA before going to the South Pacific, Admiralty Islands and Philippines where he continued doing airplane instrument repair.
In 1943 Howard married high school classmate Edith Engberg of Cambridge. They lived briefly in Minneapolis and Wadena, MN, before returning to Cambridge in 1949 where they lived, worked and raised their family.
Membership in Cambridge Lutheran Church was a focal point of his faith and activities. Singing in the choir was a joy for over fifty years. Serving on committees, boards and teaching young people were gratifying experiences enriching his life and faith. Participating in Bible studies and training as a Befriender gave him opportunities for growth. Until 2013 he had not missed the annual Lutefisk Dinner in November and took pride in making the white sauce for many years.
Howards great love for the game of golf began while caddying in California where he learned to play. In Cambridge regular league play was supplemented with extra rounds at the Purple Hawk and other area courses with Edith, Paul and friends. Junkets with his golfing buddies, and rounds of golf while traveling were his favorite way to spend a beautiful summer day. Golfing the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland was a highlight he reminisced about often.
Once situated in Cambridge Howard worked for Cambridge-Isanti School District for thirty years from which he retired. After beginning as a custodian, he rose to business manager overseeing buildings, grounds, transportation and purchasing duties. He took pride in being a part of district consolidation in the 1950s and 60s and the building expansion programs that required. Many friendships with coworkers and even students developed over the years and lasted throughout his life.
Memorial Service 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Cambridge Lutheran Church. Interment at Cambridge Union Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge, www.carlsonlillemoen.com