Arden LeRoy Toso, age 87, of Esmond, North Dakota, passed away from Parkinson's disease on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at home surrounded by family, under their loving care and with the help of Heart of America Hospice. Arden was born on July 25, 1938, the son of Elmer Leonard and Eldora Blonda (Karlsbraaten) Toso. He was baptized on September 9, 1938, and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on July 27, 1953.

Arden was raised in Benson County and attended Isabel Elementary, then Baker High School, before graduating from Esmond High School in 1956. He began his career in road construction, but in 1966, he returned to the family farm; embracing the life of dairy and small grains farming and continuing the legacy passed down to him. In time, with deep pride, Arden handed the farm over to the next generation, ensuring the legacy he had nurtured with dedication and hard work would live on.

On April 1, 1961, Arden married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Engebretson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Arden was a proud and active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served on the board and lent his skills to many construction projects and served his congregation faithfully.

Arden had an unwavering love for the outdoors, finding peace and adventure in hunting, snowmobiling, and flying his Cessna airplane. But nothing in this world brought him, and Margaret, more joy than watching his children and grandchildren thrive. Whether it was at a school program or sporting event, wedding, sitting together at Immanuel Lutheran Church, or watching them enjoy time together at the family farm. Arden was also a talented musician, often playing accordion, guitar and piano for his family, filling their home with melodies he once played with a band in his early days.

Arden's most cherished treasure in life was his family. Every visit, every smile, every embrace was a memory he tucked away with quiet reverence. He found deep joy in sharing what he knew; teaching each loved one with patient hands, whether it was how to mend or fix something, ride a 3-wheeler, or simply how to savor a short, yet well-told story. His strong work ethic, quiet strength, steady presence, sharp wit, and the gentle comfort of his soft chuckle will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Arden is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Margaret; sons Mark (Billie Jo) Toso of Lisbon and Medora, ND, and Todd (Janice) Toso of Harvey, ND; daughters Dawn (Gary) Halvorson and Kandace Johnson of Red Lake Falls, MN; grandchildren Markie, Tyler (Mattea), Jason (Kayla), Jared (Katlyn), Wyatt (Kelsey), Katelyn (Scott), Jozi, Jessica (Chris), Emily, Ethan, and Jordan; and great-grandchildren Ryatt, Aurora, Tucker, Grayson, Aleah, Brenna, Aubri, Zane, Lena, Soren, Ivree, Lilly, Nora, Halle, and Jameson.

Arden was preceded in death by his parents; sister Eloise and brother-in-law Ralph; brother Gerald and sister-in-law LaRayne; and his father- and mother-in-law, Melvin and Marie Engebretson.

Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Esmond, ND on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2:00 with visitation held 2 hours prior. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Esmond.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Heart of America Hospice: 800 Main Avenue South, Rugby, ND 58368 or to the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Fund: 4421 49th St. NE Esmond, ND 58332.

Arden's life is a testament to faith, family, and resilience. His legacy continues to grow through the lives he's touched and the love he's given. This tribute celebrates not an end, but a life well-lived and still unfolding.