Mardell Fern Arnold was born February 25, 1934, in Tara Township, Swift County to Gust and Emma (Hoffman) Gades. She was baptized March 11, 1934, and confirmed May 18, 1947, both at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township. Mardell attended rural District #50 in Tara Township through the eighth grade and received her GED from Appleton High School. September 20, 1951, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Loren Arnold at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township. Mardell worked alongside her husband on the farm. She milked the cows and assisted Kenneth with whatever needed to be done. Mardell stayed at home and raised the children. When the children were older she worked outside the home at area restaurants. Mardell loved watching sports, both on television and her children and grandchildren's events. She was a "people" person and enjoyed any activity where people were gathered and had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed embroidery, reading, playing cards, and was on a bowling league team for many years. She particularly loved her work outside the home as she could visit with people. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Mardell was a good Christian, a good wife, mother, and grandmother who always had time for her children and helping others. Mardell was very outgoing and could make a friend wherever she went. Mardell died on Friday, November 16, at West Wind Village in Morris. She had attained 78 years, 8 months, and 21 days of age. She is survived by five children: Lonny (Rebecca) Arnold of Morris, Debra Arnold of Willmar, Robert (Lois) Arnold of Appleton, Jeffrey (Julie) Arnold of Benson, and Jackie Arnold of Moorhead; eleven grandchildren: Lincoln, Conor, Jacob (Crystal), Christopher, Justin, Jordan, Jesse, Bobbi Jo, and Emma Arnold and Zachary and Jenna Tucker; four great-grandchildren: Mara and Brayden Arnold, Chaeli and Keagan Zahl; two sisters: Ethel Krupke and Lydia (Milton) Peterson; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth, on March 9, 2008; grandson, Martin Arnold; great-grandchild, Evalena Maldonado; three sisters: Donna Mae Winter, Florence Winter, and Bernadine Rohloff; and brother, Lyle Gades.
