Frank Arnold

Faithful husband and loving father, 92 year old Frank Arnold peacefully passed away on Monday, 3 June 2013, at his home in Elk River, Minnesota. An avid storyteller, Frank himself imagined that moment as the time when God would come, take him by hand, and walk him home.

The fourth of ten, born on a North Dakota homestead to Peter and Magdelena, Frank was a model of integrity and loyality to his family, his country, and his career . The pride of his life was his faithful wife Addie and children, Wayne and Caroline. Married in 1950, the Arnolds raised their family in Fridley, Minnesota, later moving to a home in Coon Rapids. After retirement from Federal Cartridge, Frank and Addie relocated to Delano for a short while, and eventually built a home in Elk River.

The life experiences and accolades about Frank as a kind, loyal, and courageous individual would fill volumes of books. The man was extremely gifted in so many areas and was an incredible artist and carver. He was very proud of his service from 22 Aug 1941 to 30 Nov 1945 in the Army Air Corps as a Staff Sergeant before and during WWII. Many of us have been awed and amused by his renditions of Army Air Corps life and the CCCs prior to his enlisted service. Daily he would raise the flag at his Elk River home to pay tribute to America's freedom and those that defend it.

Frank is survived by son Wayne with wife LuAnn, and daughter Caroline with husband David Barnes. His pride and joy include grandchildren Andy, Sandra, Joshua, Jonathan (Marine active duty), Micah (Marine retired), Katrina and one great grandchild, Jaden. Frank's brother Walt with his wonderful wife Clarice have walked side by side with him through life. Lynn, Babs and their families, including Jenny and Rebecca brought him much joy. Supportive phone calls from his brother John and other Arnold family members also blessed him immensely during the lonely years he served as Addie's caregiver during the dark times with dementia before, during, and after her death on January 25, 2013.

A special note of gratefulness is sent by the family to so many friends and neighbors in the Elk River and Monticello communities who supported Frank. Faith in Action has served him so well, as has the staff of the Guardian Angels community. A special thank you is given to friends Dr. Paul Erickson and his wife, Karla, who have walked side by side with Frank through many difficult times.

Interment will be at the nearby Morningside Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends before the service at Gearhart Funeral Home, starting at 10am. The funeral will be at 11am, June 7, 2013, at Gearhart with a military honors burial at Morningside Cemetery.

Gearhart Funeral Home: www.gearhartfuneralhome.com

11275 Foley Blvd NW Coon Rapids, MN 55488 (763) 755-6300

Morningside Cemetery 11800 University Ave N.E. Coon Rapids, 55448