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Robert Arneson (Bob) age 71 and lifelong resident of Mankato Mn passed away Friday Dec. 30th. Bob is survived by his 2 sons Aron and Adam, his sister Pat Duncanson, daughter in-law Jessica, and grandchildren Tyson and Caden. In his younger years Bob owned and ran the Oleander Saloon. He retired as owner of Larson Sharpening Svc. In 2005. Bob spent many months on yearly trips all over South America. His favorites being Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Belize. He passed on his love for the outdoors through annual hunting and fishing trips with his 2 sons and family for the last 30 years. He will be dearly missed and forever cherished by family and friends. A memorial service will be announced at a later time. https://www.woodlandhillsfh.com/obituary/RobertBob-Arneson
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John Becker
I moved to Mankato during my Senior year and did not have a chance to connect with many of you. This forum brings to me the ability to feel to loss and also celebrate the victories. What strikes me, especially in Russ' tribute, is the genuine nature of relationships in high school those days. I know my age is speaking, but life today, is far from the home grown concepts you see in what Russ is describing with Bob. So well said. It will be hard for recent graduates to replicate a memory as classic as this. My hope is that everyone takes special note and truely remembers those that loved them and cared for them throughout their living journey. Thank you for the words Russ and may peace follow Bob.
Stafford Harder
Thank you Russ for that great tribute to Bob. It was a joy to read! May God continue to bless your amazing memory!
Lynell Madsen (Anderson)
Russ, Thank you for sharing your memories of Bob and life, and for being such a good friend! I'm certain your visit meant a lot to Bob.
Bruce Boevers
Wow, Russ! What a great tribute! Bob & I were band buds. But there's also an object lesson here. We increasingly need to reach out to those who were close to us and let them know how we feel about those ancient relationships. The ability to do that with the faculty is pretty much gone. Now we need to care for each other.
John Vogel
So many wonderful stories and comments about Bob. I think my first time meeting Bob was when he came over to get trumpet lessons from my dad. I think it was probably junior high. If I recall correctly he was terrible and definitely needed the lessons. But then most of us were just starting out in band and we only improved with practice.
Bob was always a great friend and went with me the night I met my wife. It was Halloween night, 1969 and Cyd was working. After he introduced us Bob and a bunch of us went on a great Halloween outing and raised some hell. Ahh the memories, if only I could remember them.
I'll see you on the other side my friend.
Deanne Jones (Doherty)
Thanks Russ for sharing your precious memories & special tribute to Bob Arneson! I remember Bob Arneson was in my 3rd grade at Franklin School with Mrs. Kieffe as our teacher. Ernie Swartout & Bob got in trouble for being out of their seats while she left the classroom and went to coffee! Mrs. Kieffe was very hard on both of the boys, and I felt sorry for them as they really didn't do anything terrible!! Well I taught 2nd gr. in the Elk River School district for 30 years and never left the classroom to go have coffee after that experience! Russ stated that Bob owned the Oleander saloon in Mankato also. My son Casey owned it for 10 years also and then sold it to Tom Jones who owns it now! I am very thankful for being a member of the class of 1969!
Shari Palmer (Lakin)
Certainly Bob was "life"! May we all do the rest of ours with gusto! COVID 2xs +pneumonia changed me completely, Long Haul COVID. Everyone RECREATE!
Peter Bollenbacher
Thanks Russ for all you memories of our dear friend Bob! We had a great circle of friends back in the day and you mentioned many of them. I have fond memories of hanging out at Bob's house. Arnie & Doris were very gracious & patient with us being there so much & consuming all the food that we did. Yes, we did party a lot back then usually putting a big dent in their liquor & beer supply! How we got away with all the crazy stuff we did back then, I'll never know. I had a nice conversation with Bob years ago just after Gene died & it seemed like his health was failing back then even.
Bob was an immediate friend when I met him in the ninth grade when I first moved to Mankato from Garrison after my parents got divorced. He had the friendly personality that brought us together & the ring leader for our adventures which started with myself, Russ, Gene Larson & Mike Sharp. I remember his folks paid us to clean the ceiling in the Oleander among other chores & they always treated us well & made sure to feed us. In 1973 after my wife left me I had to move out of subsidized housing quickly & Bob & his wife at the time, Jane gave me a place to live while I got it together & that was a rescue for me. Back in the summer of '79 I moved back to Mankato from Kodiak for some physical therapy on my knees & Bob hired me as a bartender at the Oleander while I recovered & that was great summer I'll never forget! Many good times buddy!
Rest in Peace old friend & thanks for all the time we had together.
Sue Crosbie
Thank you Russ for your comments - wonderful read about wonderful Bob. RIP. xxx
Rich Jensen
I knew Bob since Franklin Junior High but we became friends after I got to know Gene Larsen as well.
We did many a party back in the days and he was always a happy go lucky kind of guy but serious as hell.
Lost touch over the years but met up with him at last reunion and talked a bit about life and how things have changed.
So many of the gang have passed on that we hung with and the rest of the you had better not leave soon. LOL
God be with til we meet again my old friend.