Elmer Arnzen

Elmer H. Arnzen, age 79, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at his home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 14 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. Monday evening.

Elmer Herman Arnzen was born August 19, 1933 in St. Rosa, Minnesota to Herman and Clara (Van Heel) Arnzen. He married Mary Ann Vogel on November 23, 1954 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. Elmer did carpentry work for 15 years, was employed as a steeplejack for nine years and at West Kraft Foods in Melrose for 23 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and listening to country music.

Elmer was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Arnzen of Melrose; children, Sandra (Mike) Zakrajshek of Sartell, Ken (Pat) Arnzen of Sauk Centre, Brian Arnzen of Avon and Brenda Stang of Paynesville; seven grandchildren, Eric, Corey and Morgan Zakrajshek, Devin and Kali Arnzen, Brittany and Dalton Stang; great-grandson, Braxton; sister, Susan Vogel of Melrose; and many nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kevin Arnzen; brothers and sisters, Gertrude Ostendorf, Alois Arnzen, Martha Stanczyk, Marie Becker, Andrew Arnzen, Rose Tieman, Bridget Waldvogel, Esther Tobroxen and Bernelda Rhode.

Serving as urn bearer will be Devin Arnzen. Cross bearer will be Dalton Stang and scripture bearer will be Corey Zakrajshek. Reader will be Eric Zakrajshek.