Arnold Wolden

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

Service Details

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.

Guest Book

Flowers