Arlen Gunstenson
August 21, 1939 ~ April 7, 2012
Arlen "Archie" Gunstenson, 72, of Fargo, ND, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012 at the Palliative Care Unit of Sanford Health, Fargo.
Arlen was born on August 21, 1939, in Oklee, Minnesota, to Helen and Alfred Gunstenson. He grew up and attended school in Hoople, ND, graduating from Park River High School in 1957. He then served in the United States Navy before moving to Grand Forks to work as a fireman. He married Lorraine Huus on October 17, 1964, and they lived in Grand Forks until moving to Fargo where he attended school at Kundert Aviation, graduating in 1970. He then worked for the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo until retiring in 1994.
Archie was an avid golfer and bowler and was the manager of the Auger Inn at the Air National Guard for several years. He was the North Dakota Credit Union Volunteer of the year in 1996 and was part of the team that won the Roger Maris Golf Tournament in 1993.
He is survived by his children; Amy (Fernando) Ochoa, Fargo, ND, and Jill (Pete) Anderson, Chanhassen, MN; three grandchildren, Jordan Ochoa, Jack and Will Anderson; sisters, Barbara (Ken) Hallgrimson, Grand Forks, ND, Margaret (Tom) Walker, Bastrup, TX, Leanne Dahl, Hoople, ND, and brother, Thomas (Rose) Gunstenson, Moorhead, MN.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, his parents, Alfred and Helen Gunstenson, and his sister Carilynn Fagerholt.
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santa fe n.m.Jill, what a beautiful testimony to your Dad. I feel terrible that I missed a text message you sent about the obituary. I just retrieved yesterday. I don’t know what happend. Your Dad looks just wonderful in his picture. I am so glad that you were able to spend such a special time with him and your sister toward the end. I hope you get to see this. I treasure a certain warm July with you and Peter in Palm Springs on a happier note. Wish we could be nearer. Hope you are well and happy. Love, love, love Tom and Diane
Fargo Archie was a “can-do” guy and a great Happy Hooligan. It’s an honor to have known this splendid person.
Tom T.
Walcott ND
My deepest sympathy to the family. Archie was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed.
My sincerest sympathy to Archie’s family. I saw the soft side of Archie and it was truly an honor for me to care for him. God bless you all!
Sioux Falls SD I knew Arlen and his family growing up in Hoople. I am sorry for your loss.
Casselton North Dakota
Please accept our sincere words of sympathy and gratitude to have been a part of Archie’s Guard “Hooligan” Family. We are truly blessed to have met and known him for so many years. I was able to keep tabs on Archie whenever we would meet by asking him about his “Good Deed” for the day. He was never at a loss to tell me who had helped out. Archie had a kind compassionate impact with everyone he met and always had something good to say. He was a Good Friend will be truly missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you while we grieve the loss of “Archie” and celebrate the richness he has sewn into the lives of many!
Horace ND
Archie was a great one for bringing Hooligans together and celebrating the good times in our lives. I am sad he is gone, but he is not forgotten. My prayers are with his family
Chaplain Z
West Fargo ND
Fernando, Amy and Jordan,
Sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Topeka KansasOne of the finer person I’ve had the honor to have known. May you rest in peace my friend. For the family please accept my condolences.
Joe & Carol Villalobos
Archie was one of a kind. We’ll miss him dearly.
San Rafael CADearest Jill and family, I am so saddened to hear about your dad. You and your sister, I know, have been so present and caring. I trust you will take much comfort in knowing that your love and support made his transition easier. You are in my prayers on this Easter morning. Much love, Karen (Anderson). Ted sends his love and prayers, also.
Fargo ND
We are sad to hear of Archie’s passing — good memories abound of Archie and Lorraine — with the “rat pack” golf group -we are in Mesquite so won’t be able to attend his funeral but thoughts, prayers and sympathies to his family. May good memories help you during this sad time. Sincerely, Ray and Eloise
Fargo ND
A ture friend and wonderful person, he went way to young.
mesa azSorry to read about the death Arlen.
We were bowling and golfing friends
from years ago.
Wes and Vivian Dunford
vergas MN
Woody and family, I was so sorry to learn of Archies Passing. You told me he was struggling without much hope of getting better but it is always difficult to accept.
He was A true HOOLIGAN that I was always proud to work with.
He will be missed by all.
Wally & Maxine Hegg
Surprise AZ
I truly lost a great friend today. You helped create a lot of very good memories. You taught me compassion while we were board members, to think of others differently while they were going through tough times.
You and Loraine raised a wonderful family and I am sure you will be missed by them.
Sincerely, Wayne & Kathy Mercil.
Hankinson ND
WE are very sad to hear of Archie’s death.
He was a good friend from the guard.
Since we are still at our Florida home- won’t be able to attend any service.
Our prayers are with you.
FARGO ND
Arlen was a real Stand-Up Guy. May our Lord be with him.
Horace ND
Woody: we lost a good one here.I am in FL but you and your family are in my prayers…I will contact you for lunch when I return to Fargo…Our sympathy is with you..TEK