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In memory of

Arnold Wolden

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 95

Arnold C. Wolden was born to Johanna (Running) and Anton Wolden on January 7, 1918 at home in Union County, South Dakota near Elk Point. Both of his parents emigrated from Norway. On March 9, 1930 the Wolden family moved to Philip from Beresford, SD, driving 2 Model T Fords, a 1918 and 1925 touring car. The family had loaded two box cars with livestock, machinery, and household goods.
As a young man, Arnold farmed the family farm northeast of Philip with his parents. In the late 1930’s he was employed by CCC and WPA which included Lake Sunshine. He received his pilot’s license late 1940’s, purchased a J3 Piper Cub airplane and continued to fly until 1953. He was a frequent attendee at fly-ins and flight shows including Oshkosh, WI.
Then he traded the airplane for a new red Ford pick up that was plagued with almost “every problem on the planet” and wished many times he had just kept the airplane.
On January 30, 1952 Arnold married Virginia Smith Johnson at the First Lutheran Church in Philip SD, where he was a charter member. To this union 5 children were born Gene, Linda, Roger, Mark and Terry and he also raised two stepchildren, Janet and Michael.
Arnold participated in the Boy Scouts with his sons, and he was an active member of the SD Stockgrowers Association.
Other interests included attending auctions, rodeos, dances, visiting with residents at the nursing home and attending their dance night. In addition to farming and ranching, Arnold was also a grain seed salesman for Sokota Seeds and Conklin products.
Upon semi-retirement, Arnold and Virginia took dance classes and attended dances throughout the local area. He also helped build a house at age 80 years young.
Arnold enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and taught most of them how to drive sitting on his lap, years before they were of legal driving age.
Arnold was a kind, gentle man that was wonderful husband, doting father, grandfather to 20; great-grandfather to 22; and great-great-grandfather to 3; brother to Julie Brooks and Helga Warrington; and loyal friend to many. He believed every child was the brightest and cutest that ever existed. He will be forever loved and dearly missed.
Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Mabel Kiel, Alice Hanson-Strand, and Agnes Fickbohm, two brothers: Sam and Oliver, children: Janet and Mark, great-great-granddaughters: Tessa Brenner, Logan and Emma Duran.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial has been established. 
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 258, Philip, SD  57567.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, January 11, 2013 - 2:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Kim Kanable - Vocalist
“You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby”
“Amazing Grace”
“Wings of a Dove”
USHERS
Mike Brooks - James Hoag
Roger O’Connell - Daryll Dietrich
PALLBEARERS
Patrick Craven - Michael Johnson - Casey Johnson
Jamie Johnson - Cory Wolden - Blaine Wolden
Dustin Wolden - Mark Osborn - Eric Wiedenman
Todd Wolden - Trevor Wolden - Jered Martin
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Michelle Brenner - Brita Long - Naco See
Heather Claypool - Bridget Duran - Jana Mead
Kit Wolden Stadig - Elizabeth Wolden
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip,
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

  • Terry, Julie, and Family,
    We are so sorry to here of the great loss you are all suffering with the loss of your father. In time, you will have so many great memories to cherish once the pain starts to ease. Your father will live within your hearts with all the fond memories that will fill you. Terry, your dad lives with the lord now he has gone home. No more suffering and he is once again young and free of the aging body he has been living in. You will one day be reunited in all the glory of the lord. God Bless. You are all in our hearts and prayers to help you through this very hard time in your lives. We love you much!!!!     ~ Kevin and Becky Kempe Black Hawk SD (1/8/2013)
  • Sympathy to Arnold's family. Have known Arnold and Virginia for many years and we will keep her and the rest of the family in our prayers and thoughts during this sad time. Sincerely Bev and Cork ~ Bev & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas (1/8/2013)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of loss. Arnold had stories to tell about his flying and was always happy to report on the activies and accomplishments of all the family. Search and you'll find peace even in times of sadness. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (1/8/2013)
  • Our sympathy to all of Arnold's family. Hold on to all the memories which will help you get through the difficult days ahead. We will keep you Virginia and all your family in our prayers during this sad time. Rudy and Susan ~ Rudy & Susan Roth Philip, SD (1/8/2013)
  • We've lost one of the great ones; a true gentleman who lived his life well. Though we seldom had the opportunity to visit, it was always nice to hear Arnold's voice. Our deepest sympathy to Virginia and the children. We'll keep you in our prayers and thought during this sad time.
     ~ Lionel and Dot Smith 13 Perth Court North Aiken, S.C. 29803 (1/8/2013)
  • Virginia, Michelle, Pat, Terri Leigh and rest of Arnold's family
    My prayers go out to you all. Arnold was such a special man. I have many fond memories of him. Cherish the time you had and rely on all the memories to get you through the days ahead. God bless you all.     ~ Tana Kukal OConnor Belle Fourche SD (1/8/2013)
  • Sympathy is extended to the Wolden family. Arnold was a very gentle soul and we have fond memories of him and his activity in the church. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time. ~ David & Karen Webb Rapid City SD (1/8/2013)
  • Virginia and family, I am so sorry to hear of Arnold's passing. I remember all the times we spent with you when we lived in Philip. My boys always called Arnold grandpa Wolden. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Love to you all. ~ Deanna Williams 841 W 5th St Winner,SD (1/8/2013)
  • Our sympathy to the Wolden family. Arnold and Virginia have been our neighbors for the last 19 yrs; they always had time for a chat! God Bless you all in the days ahead. ~ Don & Jolene Haynes Philip SD (1/8/2013)
  • Our sympathy to the entire family. We got to know Arnold in the 1980's through the American Agriculture Movement. Hr was definately a man who loved agriculture and people We are sure we are all better people because our lives crossed. ~ Don & Joyce Jobgen 24800 Sage Creek Road Scenic,SD 57780 (1/8/2013)
  • Terry and family, Our thoughts and sympathy go out to you and your family in this sad time. Love to all! ~ Alan & Kim Timms Black Hawk, SD (1/8/2013)
  • Dear Virginia, Linda and family, I send my sympathy and love to you at this sad time. Arnold's last birthday party was a special time and he was so pleased with fuss (I thought!). I hope your memories will be the lasting tribute to such a great man, husband and father. Many blessings, Kay ~ Kay Foland Rapid City, SD (1/8/2013)
  • Gladys Bonefield and family wish to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies. ~ Gladys Bonefield BelleFourche, SD (1/8/2013)
  • I am sorry to hear of Arnold's passing. I have known Arnold and the family sence a baby as we lived about six miles apart. He was a good man to work for as I did just out of high school. Many stories and times together were had by all! God Bless, he will be missed! ~ Joe Millage Philip (1/8/2013)
  • So sorry for your loss Virginia, you are in my prayers.
     ~ Debbie Falzone Philip, SD (1/8/2013)
  • My thoughts and prayers are with all of Arnold's family. ~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City, SD (1/8/2013)
  • Virginia and family sending my deepest sympathys to your family at this time. Arnold was a good ole guy with many many stories and he loved to tell them and i always loved to hear them. He lived a long life and saw many changes in this world hes in a good place now and will always be remembered. God Bless you all... ~ bonnie moses nebraska (1/8/2013)
  • Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. We both have many fond memories of the Wolden family. I remember many a time going out fishing with my father Ed Formanek to the Wolden damm and stopping and talking to Arnold. Bob of course remembers going to school with the Wolden kids. May you all cherish your own memories of Arnold . God Bless. ~ Tootie Formanek-Neville and Bobby Gene Neville Rapid City ,SD (1/8/2013)
  • Virginia and families -- My sympathy to all of you as you mourn the loss of your husband and father. Praying for comfort and peace in the days ahead. God bless. ~ Lynn Seifert Rapid City (1/8/2013)
  • To Virginia and family. We will miss Arnold very much. He was such a sweet man and we loved to hear his stories of past times as close neighbors to my Grandpa and Grandmother Lampert who lived north and east of the airport and close neighbors to Millages also. May we all cherish our fond memories of Arnold. God Bless you all. ~ Don & Vi Moody Philip, SD (1/8/2013)