Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM with the service to celebrate Arnold’s life at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden, MN with Pastor Gary Barrett officiating. Burial will be at Folden Cemetery, rural Newfolden, MN. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 427 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Arnold Edroy Skjerven was born November 10, 1927, in Fertile Township, Walsh County, near Grafton, ND, the son of Edward and Hildur (Petterson) Skjerven. He was confirmed at South Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Grobel District 28 School and the Park River AC.

Arnold served in the United States Army from March 28, 1946 until his Honorable Discharge in September 29, 1948. He entered into service at Fort Snelling, MN and did his basic training at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Arnold served in the Military Police in the Philippines. Arnold met his future wife while they were working together on the Skjerven Family Potato Farm. She was the picker, and he was the digger. On November 18, 1948, Arnold was united in marriage to Evelyn R. Sundby. The couple purchased a little house in Grand Forks, ND where they lived for 3 ½ years and Arnold worked at the hospital. In 1952 they bought a farm in rural Viking, MN where they raised their four children, Judith, Dennis, Kevin and Kurt.

Arnold worked at Midland Fertilizer Plant in Crookston, MN for a short time and in 1971 they moved to Newfolden and purchased the Gulf Service Station. In 1976 he became custodian at Marshall County Central High School where he worked until 1989. For the next twenty years, Arnold worked as a crop adjustor and finally at age 82 he retired.

Through the years, Arnold was very proud that he and his family built their retirement home just outside of Newfolden. Arnold enjoyed building and working on old cars and his jeep. He loved attending his family activities, eating Sunday dinner at Judy’s, and spending time with his dear wife, Evelyn. The couple renewed their wedding vows on their 76th anniversary a week prior to his passing. Arnold had a dry sense of humor, strong work ethic, was always there for his family, had devotions and prayed for their family and anyone who needed it, every night.

He was an active member of the Evangelical Free Church and American Legion Post 427 in Newfolden.

Survivors include his loving wife, Evelyn; children, Judy (David) Lokstad, Dennis (Joydell) Skjerven, Kevin Skjerven, Kurt (Leah) Skjerven; grandchildren, Kari Mooney, John Lokstad, Sara (Mike Baumann) Lokstad, Amie (Paul) Buck, Adam (Chrissy) Lokstad, Jana (Derrick) Sundeen, Jane (Mark) Johnson, Jeremy (Kari) Skjerven, Jadon (Erika Hedlund) Skjerven, Heather (Aaron) Northup, Levi Skjerven, Anna Skjerven; numerous great grandchildren and great greatgrandchildren; sisters-in-law, Leah Skjerven and Jo Hess Sundby; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by parents; siblings, Hilmar, Ernest (Ruby), Harvey (June), Gordon (Adelle), Arlene (Earl), and Dean.

Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com.