Arnold P. Callsen

ARNOLD "ARNIE" P. CALLSEN was born on September 3, 1938 to Hans and Frieda (Ivens) Callsen on a farm in Rosedell Township, Rock County, Minnesota. 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 Guards for three years. He was proud to be born and raised on the same farm that he worked his whole life. 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 where they raised their two children, Bruce and Susan. They 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, Minnesota in February of 2020. While at the nursing home, he died peacefully holding his wife’s hand on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the age of 81 years, 6 months, 18 days.

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 was often found drag racing in Sioux City and other local areas. In the following years he enjoyed bowling, softball, camping, cards, and watching sports. He especially loved watching his grandchildren and spending time at their sports and activities. He enjoyed his sweets and often could be seen wearing his ball cap. If you ran across Arnold, you were likely greeted with a “Howdy Howdy”.

Arnie is remembered by his wife, Judy Callsen of Hardwick, Minnesota; two children, Bruce Callsen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Susan (David) Mesz of Alexandria, Minnesota; 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.