Marcellus Arceneau

Marcellus J. "Lou" Arceneau, age 79, of Melrose and formerly of St. Martin, died on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 surrounded by his family at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 18 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Melrose Veterans Honor Guard will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Marcellus John Arceneau was born October 13, 1934 in St. Martin Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Daniel and Catherine (Ehresman) Arceneau. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957 to 1963. Lou farmed his whole life northwest of St. Martin with his brother, Val. He retired in 1997 and moved to Melrose.

He enjoyed bowling, deer hunting, casino trips, reading, and traveling. Some of his travels lead him to Germany, the Holy Land, Mexico, and seven mission trips to Guatemala. Lou was well known for his friendly and caring personality that brought a smile to everyone he knew.

Lou was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church where he sang with the church choir and taught religion classes. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he sang with the church choir, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post 101 and the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Leander Arceneau of St. Martin, Sr. Ann Arceneau of St. Benedict's Monastery, Sr. Modesta Arceneau of St. Benedict's Monastery, Catherine (Leo) Hartung of Upsala, Marcella Eibensteiner of Elrosa, Elizabeth (Norbert) Osendorf of Roscoe, and Valentine "Val" (Bernie) Arceneau of Melrose; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Frank Eibensteiner.

Serving as casket bearers will be Joey Arceneau, Bob Arceneau, Dale Arceneau, David Eibensteiner, Richard Osendorf, and Mark Osendorf. Cross bearer will be Cindy Hemmesch and scripture bearer will be Cheryl Hellermann. Gift bearers will be Lisa George and Ervin Hartung. Reader will be Joan Eibensteiner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred due to a medical condition in the family.