Terrence Leon Arneson, age 73, of Benson, passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at his home with his family around him. He attained the age of 73 years, 9 months and 27 days. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 3, 2012, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, Minnesota with Father Bill Sprigler officiating. Pallbearers will be his children, Philip Arneson, Jon Arneson, and Lisa O'Neil; son-in-law, John O'Neil; and brother-in-law, Al Jacobson. Burial will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 2, 2012, with a Parish Prayer Service at 4:30 p.m. and a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson and for one hour prior to the service at the Church. Terrence "Terry" Leon Arneson was born on December 30, 1938, in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Clifford and Frances (McGowan) Arneson. He was baptized, made his First Communion on May 4, 1947, and was later confirmed at St. Francis Catholic Church. He grew up in Benson and attended Benson High School. After high school, he joined the Minnesota National Guard and was in the Navy for a short period of time. After completing his military service, he worked for the Benson Creamery. On November 12, 1960, Terry was united in marriage to Audrey Ann Kahlhamer at St. John's Catholic Church in Appleton. Together they were able to share in more than 51 years of marriage. This union was blessed with three children and five grandchildren. After they married, they moved to Minneapolis where Terry worked at the Chas T. Miller Hospital in St. Paul from 1960 - 1969. The family returned to Benson, where Terry was self-employed as a painter and paper hanger for two years. During the winter, he worked part-time for Tyler Manufacturing and Knutson Electric. In 1971, he began working for the Willmar Regional Treatment Center in the maintenance department, where he worked until he retired - close to 30 years. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a 50+ year lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and watching his children play sports. He enjoyed his grandchildren, prided himself on his work that was always done to perfection, loved to drive miles in the car while on vacation, play card games on the computer, stay in contact with friends on the phone, go for coffee with the guys, and eating out. Terry is survived by his wife, Audrey of Benson; two sons, Philip Arneson of Fridley, Jon (Nancy) Arneson of Golden Valley; one daughter, Lisa (John) O'Neil of Golden Valley; five grandchildren, Maggie, Grace, and Riley O'Neil, Max and Mason Arneson; siblings, Myrna (Alvin) Jacobson of Benson, Martin Arneson of Benson, Lynette (Larry) Houdek of Rochester, and Michael Arneson of Benson; his step-brother, Donald (Joyce) Arneson of Prior Lake, MN; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Arneson, Leo Brown, and Clifford Arneson; his brothers, Edward Arneson and Clifford "Buddy" Arneson, Jr.; and grandparents, Emmet and Rose McGowan, and Edwin and Ida Arneson. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Rice Hospice or St. Francis Catholic Church building fund.
