Harold Curtis Arneson

Harold Curtis Arneson was born on May 23, 1941, in Kathryn, North Dakota, to Harold and Cora Arneson. His name was the result of a loving compromise—Harold’s mother wished for her son’s name to carry on, so Cora agreed to naming their son as Harold Curtis Arneson, as long as he would be known to family and friends simply as Curt.

In 1942, the Arneson family relocated to Longview, Washington, where Curt and his sister, Phyllis, were raised. His very first business was a newspaper route which he was extremely proud to have. Curt also found time to join Boy Scout earning the rank of a Life Scout. He attended R.A. Long High School, where he played football and often shared stories of his time on the field. It was there he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Mickie McMahon. Curt and Mickie were married on August 11, 1962, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Longview. They would go on to celebrate nearly 63 years of devoted marriage, with Curt passing less than a month before their anniversary.

Curt lived a vibrant and purposeful life. In his young adult years, he earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his Cessna 180, which he purchased from the Chehalis Airport. He began his professional career at Weyerhaeuser, where he worked for 15 years, a journey that took the family to Washington, Idaho, and California. He was proud when his daughter Lorrie, later joined the company.

Curt later served as the Sales and Marketing Manager at Darigold in Seattle (note that he loved all kinds of ice cream). Upon accepting this position, Curt and Mickie were thrilled to repurchase their Oakbrook home they sold just four years earlier. They would reside there for the next 45 years, raising their three children and hosting lots of family events.

Curt and Mickie were blessed with three children and many grandchildren:

o Lorrie born 1966, in Longview, Washington, and married Jeffery Brunson in 1990. They have two children; Michael Brunson, born 1993, married Ashley Collins in 2020, and Danielle (Brunson) Jenkins, born 1996, married Colton Jenkins in 2022.

o Lonny born 1968, in Boise, Idaho, and married Micheale Birney in 2001. Their family includes; Kayleigh Arneson, born 1991, Alan Arneson, born 1993, married Katherine Lewis in 2018, Megan Reynolds, born 1994, Melissa Arneson, born 1997, and Aaron Reynolds, born 1997.

o Leah born 1971, in West Covina, California, and married Alan Stajduhar in 1996. Their blended family includes; Gabriel Stajduhar, born 1977, married Laura Knapp in 2003, Johnathan Stajduhar, born 1979, Alison (Stajduhar) Workman, born 1984, married Shelby Workman in 2010, Kendra (Stajduhar) Hoyt, born 1997, married Josh Hoyt in 2024, and Jacob Stajduhar, born in 2004.

Curt took immense joy in being a grandfather and even more in being a great-grandfather. He eagerly awaited the arrival of each new child, cherishing every moment he spent with them. His great-grandchildren include; Evan Stajduhar, Emily Stajduhar, Ryker Workman, Rikki Workman, Brayden Stajduhar, Frank Stajduhar, Charlotte Arneson, Benjamine Arneson, Franklyn Arneson, Grayson Jenkins, Theodore Arneson, and Brody Hoyt (expected very soon).

A decade into their marriage, Curt and Mickie purchased property on Wye Lake in Kitsap County where he built the family cabin that still stands today. It became a treasured gathering place, where he taught his children and grandchildren to swim, hosted countless opening fishing weekends, and created lasting memories with family and friends. In retirement, Curt and Mickie enjoyed their winters as snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona, where they made many new friends and embraced the warmth of the desert.

Curt was known for always keeping busy. After leaving Darigold in 1992, he worked for Stover’s Kitchen in West Seattle for nine years and at the same time ventured into the print industry. Alongside his son-in-law Jeff, they launched in 1992 a Minuteman Press franchise in Downtown Tacoma. They purchased in 1996 a commercial building in Tacoma and moved the company in. Curt remained connected to the business, faithfully calling in around 4 o’clock nearly every day for an update—even the week before his passing.

He proudly passed down his skills in mechanics, construction, wiring, and plumbing to his son Lonny, who would go on to build a successful career in construction. Curt also instilled a strong work ethic in each of his children. A favorite lesson—known to all of them—was the “6 P’s” (Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance). His father Harold taught him how to hunt, and years later Curt would plan his vacations around hunting season to go out with Alan, Lonny, Gabe, and Alan in Packwood.

In 2022, Curt and Mickie relocated to Chehalis, Washington, just two houses away from their daughter Leah. As the Parkinson’s Disease progressed in him, the move provided them the support they needed to stay in their own home. Curt passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his caregivers and was visited by many members of his loving family.

Curt Arneson leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and deep family bonds. His life was marked by love, generosity, and an enduring commitment to those around him. His lifelong gift to others will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for generations to come.