Service Schedule

Visitation
Friends may call at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Williston on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM.

Service
His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Williston. Pastor Jeanne Madsen will officiate.

Graveside Service
Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery in Williston.

Due to COVID 19, we ask that everyone adheres to local and state requirements for social distancing.

Watch the Funeral Service LIVE on Wednesday, July 22nd @ 2 PM on our F&S Facebook - CLICK HERE

Donald Warren Arnson
May 4, 1938 - July 14, 2020

Place of Birth: Williston, ND
Residence: Williston, North Dakota
Age: 82

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Donald Arnson, 82, of Williston, ND passed away at his home with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in Williston, ND.

Donald Warren Arnson was born on May 4, 1938 to Pernie and Karen (Lee) Arnson in Williston, North Dakota joining sisters, Ardith and Mary Ann.

He was baptized May 12, 1938 and confirmed on December 16, 1951 at St. Lukes Church in rural Williston by Pastor Willard Lund.

Donny attended Pioneer School in rural Williston. He farmed along side his Dad on the farm in Hebron township. He purchased the farm in 1974. Donny moved to Williston in 1954 and lived with his Aunt and Uncle, Albert and Beulah (Arnson) Sundby. He worked at the L&A Market, Zapara Construction and Peterson’s Creamery. Donny and Don Horab delivered milk for 32 years in Williston. They also bought and sold cattle together for many years.

On July 12, 1958 he married Ann Janis Olson at First Lutheran Church in Williston. To this union four children were born, David, Kristi, Kenton and Darla.
The loves of his life were farm, family and friends. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events. He had a close bond with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donny’s mother was so proud of the fact that he was a County Commissioner for 16 years. A position he enjoyed and worked very hard serving his community. He made many lifetime friends. Don and Ann went on many bus trips with friends, Arlo and Merri Jo Hendrickson.

He belonged to First Lutheran Church, Moose Club #239 and Elks Club.

Donny is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann; his sons, David (Janice) Arnson, Kenton Arnson of Williston; daughters, Kristi (Paul) Beauchman of Highlands Ranch, CO and Darla (Curt) Kracke of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Jason (Kalliann) Arnson, Daniel Arnson (Crystal Lesmeister – fiancé), Ann Lee Arnson all of Williston, ND, Kelsy Beauchman of Dallas, TX, Benjamin Beauchman of Thompson Falls, MT, Johnathon Arnson in the Marines, San Diego, CA, Jordan and Sage Kracke of Fargo, ND; great grandchildren, Blake, Ashton and Kade Arnson of Williston, ND; sister, Mary Ann Gaudreau of Williston, ND; in-laws, Marlis (Dallas) Coté of Palm Desert, CA and Roger (Helen) Olson of Williston, ND.

Preceded in death by his parents, Pernie and Karen; sister, Ardith (Don) Horab; brother-in-law, Larry Gaudreau; nephews, Steve Horab and Todd Gaudreau; great nephew, Casey Conover; in-laws, Ardis (Elden) Martini, Connie (Jim) Gwaltney, Carole (Carl) Amb, Arvid and Minda (Hexom) Olson; grandparents, Ole and Mary (Sundby) Lee and Ellef and Anna (Johnson) Arnson.

Memorial Contribution

Memorials are suggested to Hospice or the charity of one's choice.

Thank You

Thank you to caregivers: Sheila, Deb, Cindy and Bethel Home for the great care given to him.

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Pam Arnson (AURORA, Colorado)
Jul 14, 2020

Ann and the Arnson family.
I want to express my deepest sympathy on the passing of Donnie. He will be greatly missed. He was so helpful to Wayne and Ashley with legal matters after Jim's passing.
God bless you all.

Don Stoner (Williston, North Dakota)
Jul 14, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Don was a very special man and I was privileged to have him as my friend. I will miss you Don.

Steve & Barb (Williston , ND)
Jul 14, 2020

Our sincere sympathy and condolences to a good old friend and his family !! Hoping remembering the good old days will strengthen all of the family. God Bless !! R.I.P. Donny.

Tim Gaudreau (Casper, WY)
Jul 15, 2020

To Aunt Ann and my cousins, I am so sad to hear of Uncle Donny's passing. I pray for your internal peace during this difficult time and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Tim

Linda and Jim irgens (Horseshoe Bay , Tx)
Jul 15, 2020

Ann and family, were so sorry to hear about Donny. He was a real gentleman and always had a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. God bless you all.

Jeanne Knudsvig
Jul 15, 2020

Sending prayers & thoughts to all of you keep his memories close to your hearts to help you through the days ahead..
Sincere Sympathy,
Jeanne

Ed and Connie Sundby (Hill city, SD)
Jul 15, 2020

Ann and the Arnson family...prayers to you all as we hear of the passing of one of our favorite people in the world.....Ed has so many fond memories of Don and our friendship throughout the years was so very special to us. Ed always said he was one of the kindest men he has ever known. Thoughs and prayers to you all.

Dale Sundet (Williston , ND)
Jul 15, 2020

Ann and Family

So sorry about Don. Always enjoyed talking with him when I saw him. He loved to joke around with people. May God bless you all

Alecia Larsen (Reynoldsburg , Ohio)
Jul 15, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Arnson family. You are all very special to me and I have many fond memories of Don from the years when I lived in Williston. He was a great man and I’m sure you will miss him deeply. Hang onto the memories that he gave you, he will live through you. God bless and comfort you during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Marla Knutson (Williston, ND)
Jul 15, 2020

Ann & Family- Sorry to hear about Donald. I enjoyed getting to know him and taking care of him while he was at Bethel Home. May all your wonderful memories of Donald help each of you. He touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Georgia Williamson (Williston, North Dakota)
Jul 15, 2020

Ann and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you. May your memories bring you much comfort.

Carol and Mike Bartels (Arizona)
Jul 15, 2020

Aunt Ann and family- Please know that we are thinking about you all during this time of sadness. Uncle Donnie will always have a place in my heart. I remember all of the times that he would just come by the house for cookies and coffee. His laugh was contagious. I was talking to my daughter today and asked her if she remembered him and how he always had money in his pocket to give to the littles. He knew how to brighten up a young one's day with this special treat. Hugs and love sent your way!

Jim Borseth (Williston , ND)
Jul 15, 2020

Ann and family. Sorry to hear about Don. I considered him a friend. I remember when I was young, Donnie and Donnie delivering Peterson's milk to the house in the little truck. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Jim Borseth

Judy Zacrep Durick (Columbus, ND)
Jul 16, 2020

Ann and Mary Ann, I have enjoyed knowing Donny all my life. He was a very special man and I treasure my memories! Blessings...

Steve and Jan Sell (Fargo , ND)
Jul 16, 2020

Dear Ann and Family, We were sad to hear Don has passed away. He was such a kind genuine man who truly loved his family. May God wrap his loving arms around you and bring you peace.

Beth M. Innis (Williston, ND)
Jul 16, 2020

Ann and family,
Don was a great man and he was a great advocate for the County and their employees/Elected Officials He will be greatly missed. I will keep you in my thoughts through this trying time.
Love Beth

Jim Howard (Williston , ND)
Jul 16, 2020

Ann and family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Donny. I will always remember talking with Donny and the laughs we would share. May God comfort you in your time of great loss.

Iola Brown (Alexandria, MN)
Jul 16, 2020

Ann and Family My sympathy for your loss, He will be missed in the community of Williston.

Roy and Kathy Trogstad (Williston, North Dakota)
Jul 16, 2020

Ann and family, so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. We grew up together in western Williams County and I always thought of Don as one of the best friends a person could have. He was a big supporter of my department while he was on the County Commission. I have very fond memories of the years we were neighbors on 9th Ave. West. There were many jokes and pranks that took place. Don was either a participant or instigator. They always ended in a lot of good laughs and planning for the next one. We hold your family in our prayers and know we will miss him very much.

Roberta Borud (Williston, ND)
Jul 16, 2020

To the family of Don. Our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. We sure enjoyed his folks for our neighbors for years. From Roberta, Rick and Becky Borud!

Jim Lee (Port Orchard, WA)
Jul 16, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sharon Carnell
Jul 16, 2020

Ann & Family,
So sad to hear of Donny's passing, he was a wonderful neighbor for a few years, always so fun with his joking etc. We couldn't have asked for a nicer neighbor, a kind & caring guy. He will be missed, Rest in Peace Dear Friend.

Donna Sundby Folven (santa clarita, Calif.)
Jul 16, 2020

Ann, Mary Ann and families. I'm so sorry to hear of Donnie's passing. He was a great man and cousin. I remember when he lived with us, we had so much fun with him. I'm going to miss our phone calls Donnie. Love you and miss you.

Kari & Jim Klug (Williston )
Jul 16, 2020

Ann,Kristi & family...Deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband & father. We always enjoyed visiting with Donny whenever we saw him no matter if it was at the store or socially. Mom Dorothy was very sad also on hearing about his passing. Prayers for peace...he was a great man that will be missed by many.

Monica Haskin (Williston , ND)
Jul 16, 2020

Don will be remembered for the strong,kind, & wonderful man that he was. I am so sorry for what you Ann & family are going through. Cherish all your memories & each other. May Jesus comfort you all. Prayers to all...RIP Don.

Bob Huggins (Greeley, Co)
Jul 17, 2020

Dave and family: We offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your father was another great man I have offered tribute to, so kind and gentle. May God Bless you and your family.

Mark & Vikki Osborn
Jul 17, 2020

Kenton, Dave, and family:
Prayers to carry you through this difficult loss.

Vicki Martinson (Williston , ND)
Jul 17, 2020

Anne and family. So sorry to hear of Dons passing. Jerry and I always had chuckles when visiting with you two. Remember the good memories and good times will give you strength through this difficult time. He was a great guy! Prayers and sympathy.

Christy (Lee) Suny
Jul 17, 2020

Dear Cousins,
Donny was a truly good and kind man. Many were blessed to call him family and/or friend. My deepest sympathy to you all.

Carolyn (Marburger) Pratt (Mesa, AZ)
Jul 18, 2020

Dear Ann and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss! Don was one of the nicest men around. He was my youngest son's prayer partner during confirmation. Sending prayers for the family.

Linda L Stevens (EPPING, ND)
Jul 18, 2020

Ann & family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Don through County Social Services. He was a great advocate for our agency as well as all of the County. He always had time to visit for a few minutes whenever I ran into him. He will be missed.

Drew and Kathleen Imes (Williston.)
Jul 18, 2020

It’s hard to put in a few words, what a genuinely good man Don was. Wonderfully good natured. A public servant for fairness and for the little guy. A rock-solid family man. Our sincere condolences to the Arnson family. I will miss hearing him call “bingo!” whenever he saw me.

Lori Heller (Wauwatosa, WI)
Jul 19, 2020

Ann and family, I’m so sad to hear of Donny’s passing. So thankful I got to see him last summer after the reunion. Prayers and love to all. Lori

Neal Mahoney (Independence, Iowa)
Jul 19, 2020

My condolence to the Arnson family for the loss of Don. I much enjoyed visiting with him. It seems we always parted with a chuckle and a smile. He was just an all around good guy.

Vikki Johnson (Williston, ND)
Jul 19, 2020

He was a wonderful man! and his family were people i went to school with! shared friends went to blue birds ,graduated with ! i enjoyed his family! I Pray you all will have fond memories pictures You are Blessed if you knew Don

Edward And Judith Lodwig (Williston, ND)
Jul 20, 2020

Sorry to hear about Don, our prayers are with your family.

Roger & Darla Huebner (Billings, MT)
Jul 20, 2020

Dave and family we are sorry to hear of the loss of your father! Many prayers and thoughts are with you at this time! God‘s peace be with you all!

Linda Stordahl (WILLISTON, North Dakota)
Jul 21, 2020

My heartfelt sympathy Ann to you and all the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Donnie always had a smile and kind word!

Tara Ulrich (McVille , ND )
Jul 21, 2020

Ann, Annie and Arnson Family, I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I’m so thankful our paths crossed at First Lutheran in Williston. He loved you all so much and loved talking about his family. Joy and pride exuded off of him. Annie, your grandpa was very special to you. Treasure those memories! Remember always how much he loved you. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you. And a verse that often gives me comfort in the midst of grief: “If we live, we live to the Lord. If we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lords.”

David and Monna Haugen (Belfair, Wa)
Jul 22, 2020

God’s enduring peace be with you Ann and family.

Therresa (Larsen) Christopherson (Williston)
Jul 22, 2020

David, Janice and families
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I pray God bring you and your family comfort and Peace. My thoughts and prayers. Much Love.

Deb Davidson Conlin
Jul 22, 2020

Dave,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved dad.
Sending you and your family love and prayers.

Don Marlene Gafkjen Nelson (Lake Havasu City , Arizona)
Jul 22, 2020

Ann And family so sorry to hear about Donny, know that your in our prayers. Donny was so much fun and good friend and classmate. So happy to hear the sermon even here in Arizona.

Dirk Schwartz (Loveland, CO)
Jul 22, 2020

Dave and the Arnson Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. Don was such a kind and gentle man. I have many fond memories seeing him in my youth when he worked for Peterson's and also remember him as a supportive father of Dave during our high school years.

Don Marlene Gafkjen Nelson (Lake Havasu City , Arizona)
Jul 23, 2020

Ann And family so sorry to hear about Donny, know that your in our prayers. Donny was so much fun and good friend and classmate. So happy to hear the sermon even here in Arizona.

Linda Stordahl (WILLISTON, North Dakota)
Jul 23, 2020

Ann and Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Donny always had a smile and a kind word! My sympathy to all of you.

Lavonne Davidson Walker
Jul 24, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.

Don Marlene Gafkjen Nelson (Lake Havasu City , Arizona)
Jul 24, 2020

Ann And family so sorry to hear about Donny, know that your in our prayers. Donny was so much fun and good friend and classmate. So happy to hear the sermon even here in Arizona.

Lance Oyen
Jul 27, 2020

On behalf of the Oyen family, we will miss Donny's smile and warmth. Our thoughts and condolences to your family in Donny's passing. Mom and Dad welcomed him warmly I am sure. Lance and Mitch.

Pam Olson (Houston , TX. )
Jul 28, 2020

My thoughts & prayers are with you Ann & family!
I am so sorry to hear of Donnies passing.
I have VERY fond memories of Donnie, he was a true gentleman and was always happy and interested in what was going on with others. He & Ann both were such a joy to run into while home visiting. I’ve heard many wonderful memories of he and my dad growing up. ?? He’ll always have a place my heart! Love to you all!

Mike Skjei (Minneaoplis, MN)
Sep 16, 2020

Ann and Arnson family,
My sincere sympathies and condolences are with you all. Donny was such an incredible person. I grew up laughing and joking with he and Donny Horab at Raymond and Darlene Lees home where they enjoyed morning coffee and a break from milk deliveries, gosh, so many wonderful memories.
The world will never be as fun without him. Rest well Donny. Mike ‘Stars & Stripes’ Skjei

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