Arnold P. Callsen, 81, Hardwick, died Saturday, March 21, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne.
Visitation was Tuesday, March 24, at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. A family committal service followed at St. Joseph Cemetery in Jasper.
Arnold Peter Callsen was born on Sept. 3, 1938, to Hans and Frieda (Ivens) Callsen on a farm in Rosedell Township, Rock County. He attended country school through the seventh grade and then Jasper High School where he competed in track and held numerous relay records. Arnie graduated in 1957 and then joined the Air Guard for three years.
On May 19, 1962, Arnie married Judy Willems at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper. The couple made their home on the Callsen family farm, and Arnie was proud to work his whole life on the farm where he was raised. He and Judy enjoyed spending time with their family and friends. In their younger years, many weekends were spent at area softball tournaments where Arnie played with the local town team. He retired from farming in 2016. The couple continued to live on the farm until Arnie’s decline in health made it necessary for him to transition to the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne in February of 2020.
Arnie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and active in the local Lions Club. In his younger years he enjoyed drag racing. He also enjoyed bowling, softball, camping, cards, and watching sports in later years. He especially loved watching his grandchildren and spending time at their sports and activities.
Arnie is survived by his wife, Judy Callsen of Hardwick; two children, Bruce Callsen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Susan (David) Mesz of Alexandria; three grandchildren, Brianna Callsen, Jessica Fueston and Miranda Fueston; and his sister, Ellaine (Gar) Henriksen of Brandon, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Fred Callsen and Delores Lorenzen.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Pipestone, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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