Fred Arnason

A. Fred Arnason, 84, of Grand Forks, ND, died Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Fred was born October 24, 1927, in Hensel, ND, the son of Richard and Sigrid (Simundson) Arnason. He grew up in Langdon and Grand Forks and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1945. He attended the University of North Dakota and graduated in 1952 with degree in law. He married Helene Rousseau on January 3, 1953, in Grand Forks. Fred practiced law and was also an Assistant States Attorney before retiring in 1992. The North Dakota Bar Association recognized him in June as a 60 year member of the lawyer?s group. He served on the boards of Catholic Charities North Dakota, Grand Forks Senior Citizen Center, Holy Family We CARE, and served as District Chairman of the Lake Agassiz Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He and Helene were charter members of Holy Family Catholic Church. During World War II, he served in the United States Army. Survivors include his seven children, Joanne "Noanie" Rose, Bismarck, ND, Joel (Laurie) Arnason, Grand Forks, Paul (Deb) Arnason, Grand Forks, Ruth (Michael) Loh, Shoreview, MN, David (Pam) Arnason, Blaine, MN, Fritz (Carol) Arnason, Edina, MN, Janine (Tom) Braman, St. Paul, MN; 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Earl Arnason; his sisters, Eloise Page, Elaine Hoffman, Evonne Bray and Gloria McKinnon. Fred was preceded in death in 2004 by his wife, Helene, after 51 years of marriage. He is also preceded by his parents; his brothers Ray, Elroy and Harold Arnason; and his sister, Evelyn Kristjanson. Fred was an avid supporter of University of North Dakota sports teams, enjoyed his Icelandic heritage, and valued family events. The family wishes to thank Altru Hospital doctors and nurses for their care of Fred.