Irene Christine Arnold

Irene passed away surrounded by family and loved ones at Mercy Hospital in Folsom, California, on October 9, 2014. Irene was born to parents Iver Louis and Ella Florence (Ricks) Rustand on March 5, 1927, in Minnesota. Irene was the loving mother of Gail (Alan) Coburn, Joel and Chad Arnold; sister of Ellis Rustand, Ronald, Hanford and Joyce; devoted grandmother of six; and great grandmother of one. Her beautiful family came from her 65 year marriage to the late Robert Arnold (2014).

Irene entered Bob’s life at the same time he was engaged to a divorcee. Bob realized that Irene was to be his lifetime partner and so got the engagement ring back and offered it to Irene that same day. One month later they drove to Reno on Old Highway 50 and were married. Irene and Bob were known by friends as the epitome of a loving couple. They did what others dreamed of doing and were passionately devoted to one another. As a couple (and family), they lived each day to the fullest, enjoying life and entertaining friends. They felt blessed as long as they were together making the most of each day.

Irene raised her three children military style, moving many times while Bob was on active duty in the Air Force. They took the family to Georgia, Alaska, Europe, Utah, and California, ending the military career in New Jersey. The family then settled in Whittier, CA which became the springboard for more family adventures including, water skiing on the Colorado River, camping, and dune bugging in the desert. When their youngest graduated high school in 1973, they sold their home and went on the road with their custom-built travel trailer with dune buggy and more, spending several years visiting friends throughout the US and Canada. During that time the couple bought a Cessna 150 airplane from Irene’s cousin in Minnesota, where they stored it until ending their travels. Their first flying venture took them to Cameron Park California to visit friends, and they loved it so much they took up residence.

They eventually bought an air park lot and built a home. In December 1975, they purchased a Grumman 4-passenger airplane. More travel excursions were to follow for Irene and Bob, taking them on flights up and down the West Coast to visit their kids, to Alaska, Mexico, the East Coast, Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, logging over 5,000 flying hours. The couple also enjoyed many years flying with the El Dorado County Sheriffs Air Rescue Squadron. They participated in search and rescue, the American Yankee Association and many other activities. Early on they installed a new engine with more horse power, converting their Grumman Cheetah to a Tiger model. Irene then hand-painted a tiger on the outside of the plane to complete its transition.

Irene always had lots of energy and used it in community service. For example, in New Jersey she was a high level Girl Scout regional director, receiving the Girl Scout equivalent of an Oscar, and in Cameron Park was known as a “mover and shaker.” This included air strip maintenance and leading the establishment of the Cameron Park Community Center. Irene was a member of the Aging Commission in Placerville and a faithful member of Light of the Hills Lutheran Church in Cameron Park. She was a strong believer of Christian principles and tried to live those principals every day. Irene “Walked the Talk” her whole life and was known for her boldness and candor and her concern for others. Respect was always earned and she was a woman of action, not just words. She loved to learn and lived her life to the fullest every minute, and taught her children this principle.

Her cremated remains will be buried with her husband’s, at some future date, in Irene’s family cemetery; Pioneer Cemetary #5 in Grant County, MN.

A Memorial Service for Irene will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Rd, Cameron Park, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Irene’s name to The Cameron Park Community Foundation, 2502 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park, CA 95682 to help support the Cameron Park Community.