Robert A. Arness

Robert A. Arness, age 53, of Decorah, Iowa, died suddenly Thursday, January 3, 2008 at home in Decorah of an apparent heart attack. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 7, 2008 at Decorah Lutheran Church by Rev. James Glesne and Rev. Allen Vik. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah. Friends may call from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. Sunday, January 6 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and an hour prior to the services on Monday at the church. Robert Allen Arness was born January 17, 1954 in Decorah, IA, the son of Francis F. and Lillian Erma (Haugen) Arness. He was baptized February 14, 1954 at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church and was confirmed September 28, 1969 at Decorah Lutheran Church. He graduated from Decorah High School with the class of 1972 and then attended Area One Technical College in Calmar. Bob wrestled in high school and worked at K&S Super Valu many years ago. He worked for Floyd Seegmiller at rock quarries and, for the last 3 years, Bob worked at Northern Engraving in Spring Grove, Minnesota as a laborer. Bob was a member of Decorah Lutheran Church. He enjoyed dirt track and NASCAR racing, college football and family and friends. He liked fishing and his cat, Jack, and his dog, Scooter. He is survived by his parents, Francis and Erma Arness of Decorah; his sister Ruth (Dennis) Gerleman of Decorah; 2 nieces and 2 nephews: Brenda Elsner, Eric (Shelly) Gerleman, John Gerleman, and Lisa Gerleman, all of Decorah; and 5 grandnephews and -nieces.