Arnold Nokleby

Arnie Nokleby died Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Trails of Orono in Orono, MN at the age of 94.

Memorial services will be held Monday, August 21, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Montevideo with burial at Jevnaker Lutheran Church.  Arrangements are with Anderson  - TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo.

Arnold Odin Nokleby was born on November 20, 1928, the sixth son of Oscar and Emma Nokleby. Arnie lived most of his life on the family farm in Mandt township. He graduated from Milan High School in 1946. After a miscommunication about their blind date (Eileen didn’t know Arnie was coming), Arnie found his match and married Eileen Anderson in 1950. Through their 70 years of marriage, they raised six kids and were grandparents to 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

Arnie was very active in Jevnaker Lutheran Church, Lions Club, Sons of Norway, Habitat for Humanity, and card club. As a farmer, it was important to him to be a good steward of the land. A strong supporter of his kids’ activities, Arnie was a leader in 4-H and Luther League. He volunteered at Luther Haven and several Habitat for Humanity projects locally and in the Southern US. He was recognized for his humanitarian service, including being a member of the Habitat for Humanity Golden Hammer Society and a recipient of the Lions Club Melvin Jones award. Arnie was a man of faith who truly believed that he was called to love all of God’s children without judgement. He was a true friend to all who came into his orbit. Inquisitive and valuing education, he encouraged all his children to continue their education. He often challenged them to expand their thinking by asking questions like “Was that the right thing to do?” and “Well this is interesting, have you heard about this?”. He was True North for all of his loved ones.

Arnie and Eileen enjoyed traveling and adventures. They traveled extensively through the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Proud of their Norwegian heritage, they shared their love and experiences by leading several tours to Norway and fostered close connections with their Norwegian relatives. They enjoyed visiting National and State Parks, serving as camp hosts at several Minnesota State Parks.

Arnie is survived by his daughters: Susan Nokleby, Gail Strickler, Gwen Nokleby, Janet Nokleby, and Jill (John) Kaiser; daughter-in-law: Susan Nokleby; grandchildren: Jessica (Kaleb) Schwendemann, Adam Nokleby, Buck Eide, Bjorn Eide (Brandy McQueen), Stacie (Kevin) Olson, Erin (Shawn) Commerford, Matthew (Carrie) Bowler, Heidi (Mike) Thompson, Emily Bowler (Ben Vlaminck), Michael Bowler (Madison Ihrke), Emma Lammawin (Garrett Dibene), Alexis Lammawin, and Grace Kaiser; great grandchildren: Elsa, Esmae, and Emersyn Schwendemann; Asanti Eide; Abigail (Jared Milinkovich) and Sam Olson; Jake LeBrun; Mason and Jocelyn Commerford; Ava and Nick Bowler; Brayden, Cole and Isaac Thompson; Adrian Bowler; great-great grandchildren: Jayce, Valencia, and Sonny LeBrun and Murphy Milinkovich; and cherished nieces, nephews and extended family.

On August 6, 2023, Arnie joined family who preceded him in death: his wife, Eileen; his parents, Oscar and Emma Nokleby; brothers Omer, Ernest, Minfred, Juleen, and Vernal; Son, Steven Nokleby; Son-in-law, Randy Strickler; Grandson, Thor Eide; Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Ellen and Oliver Anderson; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Matthew 25:23: His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, or Lions Club International Foundation