Robert "Rob" Arneson
March 31, 1972 ~ April 12, 2019
Robert ‘Rob’ E. Arneson, 47, Fargo passed away Friday, April 12, 2019 at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis after a battle with mixed connected tissue disorder.
Rob was born March 31, 1972 in Fargo, North Dakota to Delano and Janet (Sauvageau) Arneson. He graduated from Fargo South High School in 1990. Rob earned his B.A. in Elementary Education from Jamestown College in 1994, and then received his M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction K-12 from University of St. Thomas in 1997.
He began working with the Fargo Public Schools in 1995 as a teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. In his time with the district, he taught at Lincoln, Clara Barton, and Washington Elementary Schools, before joining Carl Ben Eielson as a library media specialist. During his career, Rob worked closely with elementary summer school programming, has been an integral part of the middle school tech camp experience, instructed courses in education through local & regional colleges, and served on numerous professional organizations and committees. Rob has been recognized for his commitment to education. He was awarded the Carl Ben Eielson High Flyer Award (2016), Educator of the Year - Metro Area Mayors Committee (2012) and the ND Reading Association Celebrate Literacy Award (2009). He also served on the Alumni Board of Directors at Jamestown College. In his 23+ years of teaching, Rob impacted countless lives. He always put kids first. Rob was a leader in his profession and a mentor to many students.
Rob had a deep love for his family, especially his nephew and niece, Alex and Abby and his grandmothers, Clara and Elmira. Over the years, he spent his free time at Cotton Lake with family and friends relaxing and organizing events including the annual fishing derby and family reunions. Rob also enjoyed traveling with family and friends. He looked forward to visiting his parents in Arizona every winter as well as planning trips with Alex and Abby each year.
Rob had a passion for photography and enjoyed capturing special moments for family and friends. He enjoyed supporting local athletics and took pride in taking photographs for the teams. Rob had a caring heart, a loving smile and a contagious laugh. He had a zest for life that showed through his kindness and generosity to everyone he encountered. He will be dearly missed.
Rob is survived by his parents, Delano and Janet; brother, Ryan (Jackie) Arneson; nephew and niece, Alex and Abby Arneson and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Clara (Bill Wilson) Arneson and Edward and Elmira Sauvageau.
A Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established in Rob’s honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the Fargo Public Schools Foundation – Rob Arneson Memorial. Donations can be mailed to Boulger Funeral Home or the Fargo Public Schools Foundation.
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Mr Arneson taught my oldest son. He made such an impact on my son and many other students and families. He will be very missed. My sincerest condolences to his family.
I am one of many students whose lives were touched by this heroic teacher. I still remember the day that he took our class out to rake leaves for elderly members of our community. Honestly, that day might be the day that I learned what it means to be human.
Rob taught my.middle son. He qent above and beyond with every student. He and my son kept in touch all these years. He is now 29. What a wonderful oerson and teacher. He will be greatly missed.
Jill Parsons
He was a good friend in college! He was a great guy. Prayers to the family and hugs.
To the Arneson family, I am so sorry for your great loss. I went to college with Rob and then had the pleasure of working with him at Clara Barton school. He was an amazing human who touched many lives during his time on Earth. May you hold his memory close and let it bring you comfort during the days to come. Prayers for peace.
Rob was such an amazing man and teacher. I enjoyed working with him for summer school one year and my kids loved him at Carl Ben when they attended there. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family and all the students he touched with his spirit.
Mr. Arneson taught 2 of my 4 sons & then it so happened 1 of their brothers received a teaching degree & worked with Rob at Carl Ben. Sorry for the families loss, may you all find comfort in the peace only our God provides.
My son, Christian, was privileged to be in Mr. Arneson’s 4th grade Clara Barton class. On my dresser is a beautiful picture that Mr. Arneson took of my son. My son agrees that Mr. Arneson is the reason he started devouring books … ALL of the Harry Potter books at that time. We all LOVED the marble collection that Christian earned during the year which led to the end of the school year big event. Mr. Arneson is my son’s favorite teacher!!! I am so thankful for Mr. Arneson’s powerful positive influence … on SO MANY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
My deepest sympathies to your family. Rob has always been a wonderful and special friend. The number of lives he has touched is astounding. You are all in my hearts and in my prayers
Rob was a teacher/learner of great intensity. He had a vision for what student might and could learn. He directed them as he did himself, with great passion and determination. I am heartsick that he has been taken so young. There is a Native American proverb that states, “Death is not the putting out the light, but rather extinguishing the lamp, for the dawn has come.” May the dawn shine brightly.
Rob’s laughter was infectious. I enjoyed many Nativity youth group trips/activities and lunches at Fargo South with him. Sad that he was called to heaven so early and thankful he was an inspiring uncle and teacher to the next generations. Many lives will be blessed from his memorial Prayers for peace and strength for Rob and his extended family continue
Rob was my 3rd grade teacher at Lincoln elementary school in Fargo. He was my favorite teacher and I’ve never forgot how much fun his class was. This was the year of 96-97. Rob really saw the future in computers and really got me hooked on technology. We all certainly lost a great teacher, and friend. Rest in piece Mr. Arneson
Del & Jan, we’ve lost contact over the years, but know my thoughts are with you. Rob’s obituary reflects what a terrific son, man he was. I know your hearts are aching. Take pride in yourselves for raising such a fine, loved person who left a mark on many lives. Sending a big hug and sincere condolences. Donna Hentges
Rob was a great man with many talents and a special caring heart to his family.
Dear Arnesons,
My deepest sympathies go out to your family .
Ryan, I know how much he loved Alex & Abby,
as he talked about them often. Not only did you lose a loving brother, but an awesome uncle to your children.
May the cherished memories of all the wonderful
times you all had together help to bring you some comfort at this difficult time.
My thoughts & prayers are with your family!
Ginger Knutson
Retired teacher : Carl Ben Eielson & Lewis & Clark
My sincere sympathy to the Arneson family. Rob, Ryan and my two children, Laura and Scott grew up together and enjoyed many fun times on 23rd and 17th Ave. He will forever be in your hearts and memories as a dear son, brother and uncle. His accomplishments will be remembered forever.
Sincerely, Diane Bachinski
Rob was one of my best friends. Each conversation we had was like we had talked the day before. It’s hard to say goodbye because we weren’t done with the good times. Jan and Del, please know that I grieve along with you and celebrate the amazing person Robs was to so many. His laugh will live in my heart forever.
What a loss for all of Fargo 😢
Mr Arneson was an amazing teacher. He influenced so many lives with his amazing spirit!! He will be missed 🙏🏼
Rest In Peace!!
Prayers for the loss of a good person
who taught many students over years
Arneson family, I am so sorry that you lost Rob. He was so good to so many. Thinking of you and sending prayers and sympathy.
I am saddened to learn of Rob’s passing. We grew up together in Fargo, went to the same church, and were in plays together. Rob was just the nicest guy and I will always remember his wonderful smile and kindest heart. My sincerest condolences to your family. May your wonderful memories of Rob bring you comfort. My prayers go out to you all.
This man changed the lives of each and every student in out 5th grade class of 2010 at Washington elementary. His passion to teach and educate the young lives through me today. The atmosphere his classroom provided a second home I much needed and bonded all of our classmates for life. I hope I can get even close to matching his love and passion for family , friends and students a like . Every time he told a story , even if it was just small news about something goofy his Nephew was doing he had our full attention . He was one of the greatest story tellers I ever knew. Never again would I wake up the way I would wake up ready for that class. That was easily the best childhood year of my life. Most of my friends were in this class. Tbh most of the people In that class our out changing the world Each and every day as we speak.
Dear Mr. A
Before you ask, I’ll tell you- my parents are doing fine (they said to say hello) and it’s hot outside. It’s too hot here in Georgia. College is going good though, I’m enjoying all of my classes. I’m sure it’s getting colder in North Dakota. When I wrote to you last in March, it was your birthday. I was confused when I never got a response. I always made sure to write to you on your birthday and you always wrote to me on mine. Over the last nine years, you responded to all of my worries, anxieties, dreams and aspirations when I emailed you about them. I googled your name out of boredom like I have dozens of times before. I was expecting to see your website or your Facebook to see what you were up to. Instead I was faced with an obituary from six months ago.
When I first moved to Mississippi and felt like I didn’t belong there, you talked with me. I emailed you every week back then. I remember that first Christmas in Mississippi when you sent me a box full of candy and books. You loved books. You would read to us everyday in class. Sometimes we’d all become so absorbed in the story that we’d forget how long that we’ve been reading for. You always had a way of bringing the characters to life. My love for reading and writing was nurtured by you. More importantly, you brought out the human in all of us. You showed us how to enjoy every moment in life. You showed us how fun learning could be and instilled a curiosity about the world within us. Most importantly, you are a shining display of virtue- a manifestation of goodness that cannot be matched. The aura that followed you wherever you went brought with it smiles and laughter and happiness. The love and kindness by which you educate your students taught me lessons that could never be gained through any book.
It would be an understatement to call you a hero- a savior rather. 2010 is a year I will remember. It is a year that sowed the seeds that would turn me into who I am today. Mr. Arneson, you are one of the most influential people in my life and one of the closest friends that I have had. You told me to stop calling you Mr. A when I started emailing you and that I should call you Rob because you weren’t my teacher anymore. I never did this because you never stopped being my teacher. You will always be Mr. Arneson to me. The kind soul that I can always learn something from- that the whole world can learn something from.
I know that you’re probably not going to get this email but I hope everything is well with you wherever you are. You were a wholesome individual and if there’s anything bigger than us out there, I am content in knowing that you have earned your place somewhere better.
Let me know how your doing and how the weather is.
-N