Arnold Motteberg

Arnold Motteberg, age 94, of Fertile, Minnesota, died Thursday, November 18, 2010 in Riverview Healthcare, Crookston, Minnesota. Arnold was born on September 10, 1916 in Gary, Minnesota, to Andrea Swavee Motteberg. He was raised by his grandparents, Christian and Caroline Motteberg and lived on the family farm near Gary. Arnold was baptized and confirmed at Sundal Lutheran Church, rural Fertile. He attended country schools, District 653, and later the Agriculture School in Fertile. Arnold was drafted into the Army on March 31, 1942 and served until his honorable discharge on October 31, 1945. He proudly fought at Normandy during WWII. As a young man, he worked as a hired man at the Rose and Dahl Farms. On March 27, 1948 Arnold married Gina Lesetmoe in Bemidji, Minnesota. They made their home near Gary on the family farm where they operated a dairy farm. In 1990, they retired to Fertile. Together, they moved into the Fair Meadow Nursing Home in 1996. After Gina’s death in 2004, Arnold continued to reside at Fair Meadow. In his younger years, Arnold enjoyed wrestling and had many matches in Winger, Minnesota, Ulen, Minnesota, and Fertile. He was a powerful athlete and won most of his matches. Later in life, he also enjoyed wrestling on TV along with watching his favorite show Lawrence Welk. Arnold is survived by three sons: David (Connie) Motteberg of Gary, MN, Roger K. Narum of Ostego, MN, and James (Dara) Narum of Gary; three daughters: Carol (Arlan) Wastweet of Glyndon, Kathy Motteberg of Andover, MN, and Bonnie (Todd) Groezinger of Ramsey, MN; his wife, Gina’s step-son, Neil (Mary Ann) Narum of Douglas, ND; 21 grandchildren; 37 great- grandchildren; and many cousins, including his special cousin, Marlene Ford of Ada, MN. Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Gina; mother, Andrea; grandparents, Christian and Caroline; one great-grandchild, Skylar Guttormson; and many aunts and uncles. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 22nd at 11:00 AM in Sundal Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, with Pastor Kelly Ahola officiating. Jenny Hanson will serve as organist and Dione Rasmusson as soloist. Serving as pallbearers will be Arnold’s grandsons: Chris Motteberg, D.J. Motteberg, Troy Narum, Chad Garlick, Roger A. Narum, Richard Narum, Scott Wastweet, and Darin Narum. All of the other grandchildren are honorary bearers. Military honors will be provided by Gary American Legion Post # 505 and MNARNG Honor Guard. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Interment will be at Sundal Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile.

Arnold Motteberg

September 10, 1916 - November 18, 2010