Remembering the life of Ethel M. Arnold...
Funeral Services for Ethel M. Arnold, of New Richland, MN, were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Richland. The Reverend Scott Williams officiated. Interment was in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Visitation was one hour before the service at the church. Friedrich Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ethel died on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the New Richland Care Center. She was 95.
She was born on October 1, 1917, in Freeborn County, Minnesota, the daughter of Matthew and Esther (Smith) Johnston.
Ethel attended country school in Freeborn County. She married Merton Arnold and to this union three children were born, Gary, Rodney and Linda. Together they farmed in the New Richland area. They were later divorced. Ethel worked for a time at Quiram’s Bakery in New Richland. When she lived in Waseca, she had worked at Bird’s Eye Foods, an area restaurant and cleaned a motel. She returned to live in New Richland 37 years ago. She was a member of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Ethel always wanted her family around her, especially enjoyed her grandchildren, and spent much time with her sister Leilah. She enjoyed dancing, crocheting and watching Hee-Haw and Lawrence Welk.
Ethel is survived by her daughter Linda Besser of New Richland, daughter-in-law Lois Arnold of New Richland; grandchildren: Jimmie Arnold of Grand Meadow, MN, John Arnold of New Richland, Robert Arnold and special friend Jessica of Geneva, MN, Christopher Besser of New Richland, Curtis Besser of Freeborn, MN, and Tracie Rosacker of Matawan, MN; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sons Gary and Rodney Arnold, son-in-law Kenny Besser, former husband Merton Arnold, sisters: Leilah Ott, Esther Vogelsang, Margaret Young and brother George Johnston.
Ethel lived a good life, and will be lovingly missed and remembered by her family.
