Edward “Ed” Arnold

Edward “Ed” Arnold, age 94, of Alexandria, formerly of Olivia, MN died Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia with Rev. Joe Steinbeisser as celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Military rites will follow the service at the church. Burial in the church cemetery will be at a later date.  Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN.

Edward Leo Arnold was born April 18, 1929 in Long Prairie, Minnesota to Frank and Frances (Spieker) Arnold.  He grew up in Long Prairie and attended country school.  Ed married Margaret “Peg” Kelly on July 10, 1954 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia.  Ed served his country in the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean War.  He worked for 29 years at the Olivia Post Office walking many many miles every day.  Ed was a member of the Olivia American Legion, St. Aloysius Adoration and St. Aloysius Catholic Church.  He enjoyed doing woodwork, including making many desks and nightstands for his family.  He spent time gardening, cooking, walking, and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Ed was passionate about fishing and his family fondly remembers him sitting out in his boat during the very early morning hours in the peace and quiet waiting for the world around him to wake up for the day.  He will be remembered for many things including: catching the biggest sunfish/crappie, giving good advice, his sense of humor, his warm and giving heart, polka dancing, roller skating in his younger years, his chocolate frosting and his Italian spaghetti.

Ed is survived by his wife, Peg of Alexandria; his two children: Doug (and Patty) Arnold of Brandon and Paula (and Rob) DuChaine of Farwell; his four grandchildren: Chad (and Ashley) Arnold of Mankato, David (and Amelia) Arnold of Alexandria, Ashley Arnold (and special friend James Gardner) of Redwood Falls and Emily Arnold (and fiancé Trevor Kruse) of New Ulm; his four great-grandchildren: Blake Arnold, Everleigh Gardner, Hudson Arnold and Tyson Gardner and his sister Leona Johnson of Rapid City, SD.  Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Diane and his 13 brothers and sisters.

Blessed Be His Memory

Serving the family…

Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN