Arnold Bengtson

Arnold Melvin Bengtson, 85, of Fergus Falls, MN and formerly of Erhard, passed away at Triumph Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. Arnold was born on May 4, 1923 to Charles and Cora (Brenden) Bengtson. He was raised in Erhard’s Grove Township and attended school and graduated from District 17.   He married Olga Swenson Erickson on December 17, 1947. He was a lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church, formerly Bagstevold Lutheran Church. Arnold worked at many vocations and picked up many trades including, but not limited to:  Farmer, Sheet Metal Worker for Albert Sundblad, Carpenter with Obert Wold, Sales and Installation of Furnaces, Welder and Sheet Metal Worker at the Fergus Falls State Hospital for 26 years, Owner and Sawyer at his Sawmill, and Welder for neighbors. His love of music was very evident at an early age. He would play his Dad’s violin whenever he could and was playing on the radio at the age of six. He played with his Father’s band until family life demanded more of his time. He continued to play at home and again started to play with various bands including his own known as the “Rhythmakers”. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and woodworking. He went on numerous fishing trips to Canada catching Northern Pike. He especially enjoyed fishing for panfish with his wife Olga and friends Lars and Joy Norgren. He hunted moose in Canada with his brother Llewellyn and in his younger years pheasants and ducks with Lars Norgren. He did hunt deer but would rather watch them with his wife Olga and brother-in law Carl than shoot them.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers in-law and three sisters in-law. Arnold is survived by his wife Olga of Fergus Falls, daughter, Shirley Strand of Baker, MT; stepson, Garry (Linda) Erickson of Lake Park, MN; brothers Llewellyn (LaVerne) of Fargo and Merlin (Darlene) of Erhard; and sisters Delores (Marvin) Pederson of Fergus Falls and LaVonne (Norris) Gilbertson of Ashby. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Cory Erickson, Cara Sullivan and Tyler Strand; eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Monday at Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard Clergy:  Reverend Mark Jamison Interment: Bagstevold Cemetery in Erhard Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com