Arnold R. Loken, 90, was born on August 6, 1923 on the family farm, the youngest of eleven children of Jens and Cecelia (Hagen) Loken. He was a life long member of LeSueur Lutheran Church in rural New Richland. He graduated from New Richland High School in 1942. He enlisted in the United States Navy on January 18, 1944 serving on a Liberty ship in the Pacific Theater until his discharge in October, 1945. Arnie was accompanied by his nephew, Bob Loken, on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to view the World War II memorial.
Arnold married Marlys Sunde on August 11, 1945 at Le Sueur River Lutheran Church while he was on leave from the Navy. They lived briefly in Albert Lea when he worked at Queen Stove until they moved to work with his father-in-law on the farm. He later worked for Hubber High Line and Corchran’s and at the Senior Center in Waseca. They moved from the farm to live in New Richland in 1980. In 2010 he and Marlys moved to Countryside Senior Living in Owatonna.
Arnold was an active member of the New Richland Legion and the Veterans of Foreign War. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid fan of his granddaughter’s sporting events attending many of their basketball games. His eyes lit up when he saw his great grandchildren.
Arnold is survived by Marlys, his wife of 68 years, his daughter Sharon (Barry) Bishop, two granddaughters, Shelly (Ryan) Bormann and their children Madelyn and Jack and Carla (Luke) Froehle and their children Bishop and Nora.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant son, Keith Allen and his brothers and sisters.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Le Sueur River Lutheran Church with Pastor Brian Gegel officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Michaelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Countryside and to St. Croix Hospice for their patient loving care for Arnold.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to LeSueur River Lutheran Church where Arnold and Marlys met at a young age.