ARMSTRONG - Funeral services for Arnold E. Oleson, 91, of Armstrong will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong with Pastor Vance Toivonen oficiating. Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at Nazareth Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Armstrong Grove Cemetery in Armstrong with military graveside rites by Weiby Johnson VFW of Armstrong and Christensen-Bonnicksen American Legion of Ringsted.

He died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at Avera Holy Family Health Center in Estherville.

Arnold Edwin Oleson, the son of Martin and Esther (Mitchell) Oleson, was born Sept. 12, 1918, in rural Fenton.

He was baptized at St. John's Church in Depew and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gruver. He graduated from Halfa Schools in 1936. Following school he joined the United States Army, serving in World War II.

On Dec. 7, 1947, he was united in marriage to Ruth Jensen at her parent's home in Graettinger.

Arnold farmed his entire life in the Halfa and Ringsted areas. Arnold is a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong, where he served on various church boards. He is also a member of the Armstrong VFW and the Ringsted American Legion. He served on the Ringsted Benefited Fire District Board for 30 years and the Halfa School Board. He was an avid reader, enjoyed watching birds and wildlife, going for rides (especially on his golf cart) and living in his own home.

Left to cherish Arnold's memory are his wife of 62 years, Ruth, of Armstrong; his children, Barbara (Jim) Miller of Ringsted, Bob (Deb) Oleson of Steen, Minn., Bill (Wendy) Oleson of Armstrong, Bonnie (Jim) Jenkins of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Beth (Paul) Rolling of Woodinville, Wash.;13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Leona Flint and her husband, Merle, of Ringsted; sister-in-law, Charlotte Oleson of Armstrong and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Arnold in death were his parents; one sister, Meryl Christensen and her husband, Rudy; one brother, Maynard Oleson, and one infant brother, Arnold. On-line condolences may be sent to www.henryolsonfuneral.com