Arthur Spaeth

Arthur Spaeth, age 92, of Mahnomen, MN died Friday, March 19, 2010 at Mahnomen Health Center. Arthur Joe Spaeth, son of Ben and Anna (Winter) Spaeth was born April 12, 1917 in Hill City, MN. At a young age, he moved with his family to Thief River Falls, MN, then into Mahnomen County, MN. When Art was only 9 years old his mother died. Art attended country school near Mahnomen then began working for neighboring farms. He also served with the Civilian Conservation Corp, near Roy Lake, MN, prior to World War II. In 1939, Art was united in marriage to Theresa Blattenbauer and the couple farmed east of Waubun, MN. After Theresa’s death in 1954, Art continued raising their three children and began working at Kvamme Construction. In 1959, he sold the farm and founded Spaeth Construction. In 1968, Art married Glorianne (Harms) Blattenbauer. He continued to work as a contractor building homes until his retirement in the mid-1980’s. Art also owned a cabinet shop in Mahnomen for several years. Glorianne died in 2005 and Art remained in his own home until January of 2010, at which time he entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home. Art truly loved being outdoors. Following his retirement, he kept very busy mowing lawns, tilling gardens or blowing snow for his neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed his time up at deer camp with his sons, spending more time feeding the deer than hunting them. Art especially liked to spoil his special feline friend, “Kitty.” Art is survived by one daughter, Lorraine (Robert) Johnson of Mahnomen; two sons, Ron (Donna) Spaeth of Waubun and Leonard (Pam) Spaeth of Detroit Lakes, MN; two sisters, Florentine Blattenbauer of Mahnomen and Mary Ann Blattenbauer of Moorhead, MN; as well as six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; both of his wives, Theresa and Glorianne; an infant son, Raymond; five brothers: Elmer, Ernie, Leander, Henry, and Norbert; and two sisters, Tootie and Edwina. Funeral Services were held Monday, March 22, 2010 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu, Minnesota. Serving as pallbearers were Dustin Spaeth, Bob Johnson Jr., Steve Spaeth, Ryan Brodsho, Andrew Slette, and Tim Spaeth. Honorary bearers were the Mahnomen Rod & Gun Club. Visitation was held at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a prayer service at 6:30 pm. Visitation continued one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment was in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaulieu.

Arthur Spaeth

April 12, 1917 - March 19, 2010