CLERGY
Rev. Dean Schroeder
Leland Linville Arntsen was born on August 5, 1913 to Arnt and Magrethe (Langbak) Arntsen in rural Douglas county, South Dakota. He grew up near Platte and graduated from Platte High School. For a time, he farmed alongside his father. In 1950, Leland moved to Irene. He worked odd jobs until he became a Engineers Aid for the South Dakota State Highway Department based in Tyndall. Leland’s job required several trips to the courthouse where he met a nice, young woman by the name of JoEllen Schneider who worked as a Deputy Clerk of Courts. On October 6, 1956, Leland was united in marriage to JoEllen in the parsonage of St. Leo Catholic Church in Tyndall. He continued to work with the Highway Department for over 26 years before retiring. From 1971 to 1981, Leland served as a congregational officer for St. John Lutheran Church in Tyndall.
In May 2001, JoEllen fell asleep in Jesus after a long battle with cancer. Leland was heartbroken yet showed great strength because of his reassurance that JoEllen was now in Heaven pain-free and in time he would see her again. In 2006, Leland moved in with his son, Joel and enjoyed their time together. He loved watching the Minnesota Vikings and collecting antique toy cars. After some struggles with his health, Leland moved into the Good Samaritan Society Luther Manor in Sioux Falls in January 2015.
Leland was a man of great faith and character. He was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, and Christian brother. He was gentle, kind, and never really got mad. He was generous and willing to help anybody, never begrudging someone’s need. Leland is and was an honorable, sincere, and wholesome man.
Leland fell asleep in Jesus on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the nursing home having attained the age of 103 years and 21 days.
He is survived by his children Joel Arntsen of Sioux Falls and Andrea (Jeff) Pederson of Grand Island, NE; grandchildren: Matthew Pederson, Hilary Pederson, Sean (Shannon) Pederson, Heath Pederson, and Chace Arntsen; and great-grandchildren: Nykola Blue, Amiliya Flores, Oliver Pederson, and Otto Pederson.
He was welcomed into Heaven by his wife JoEllen, parents, and sister Alta.
To God be the Glory.
2 hours prior to service