Louis Arnold, 78, of Esmond, ND, died peacefully Saturday, December 6, 2014 at St. Aloisius Medical Center, Harvey, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Esmond, ND, with Father Brian Bachmeier, celebrant. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday, December 11, beginning at 6:00 pm. Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm followed by Vigil Prayer Service at 7:30pm. Visitation on Friday will be one hour prior to service at the church. Interment will be at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Esmond, ND following the service.
Louis was born to Leonard and Doris (Mongeon) Arnold on June 11, 1936 at Rolette, ND. He attended Rich Valley School and graduated from Benson County Ag School of Maddock. He furthered his education at Minot State University and NDSU. He served in the ND Guards and the US Army. After being discharged he came home to his passion in life: Farming.
On May 20, 1961 he married Helen Schmidt at Harvey, ND and started farming in Impark Township, Benson County. In 2012 Louis and Helen moved to Esmond, however, Louis continued to drive to the farm daily and help with the farming operations (offering his sage advice).
Louis served on the Benson County Water Board, ND Barley Council, ND Grain Growers, US Feed Grain Council, NW Research Center Board, Minot, Carrington Research Center board, Esmond Elevator Board and Esmond Community Development Board. He was a member of St. Boniface Church, Esmond, serving on the St Boniface Cemetery Board and a charter member of the Esmond Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree Knight.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents Doris and Leonard Arnold and brothers Dennis and Raymond.
Louis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen of Esmond, sons Robert (Holly) of Minot, William (Tina) of Esmond, Thomas of Parker, Colorado, daughters Denise of Aurora, Colorado and Ann (Bill) Linden of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Grandchildren include Andrew and Annika of Minot, Noah, Connor and Jace of Esmond; step grandchildren include Greg (Alaina) of Dallas, TX and Christina (Joel) Kolquist of Duluth, MN as well as four great-grandsons. Sisters, Helaine Arnold of Fargo and Margaret (Jim) Sanders of Sioux City, IA, sister-in-laws, Karen Arnold of Steele, ND and Jeannette Arnold of Harvey, ND.
Memorials can be made to the St Boniface Cemetery Fund, Esmond Ambulance, Esmond Fire Dept. or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).