Norman A. Arneson, "Arne", 86, of Saint Louis, Missouri passed away on Saturday morning August 22, 2026 following a battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Axel Norman and Ruth Leach Arneson, and he is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Ellermann Arneson, "Cookie". He is also survived and lovingly remembered by his two children, Peder A. Arneson (Carrie) and Drees A. Cline (Jeff), and his beloved grandchildren, Henry, Sally & John Arneson and Elsa & Marin Cline, who were all so fortunate to have "Gumpy" in their lives.
Arne attended Community School, University City High School, John Burroughs, The Webb School and Washington University, not necessarily in that order. Following school, Arne started a lifelong career in the securities industry as a financial advisor, securities broker and investor. In the 1970's, he bought a post peeling and wood treating company in Crawford County, Missouri, which, through some luck, determination and many years of hard work, would grow into a successful sawmill and lumber wholesaling business. Throughout his business journey, Arne was a inspiration for the hundreds of people who worked for him along the way.
When the United States entered WWII, Arne was not yet two years old, so he was too young to enlist, but that never stopped him from recounting his "vivid memories" of wartime service. Arne did volunteer and go to sea in the 1960' serving as a quartermaster in the US Coast Guard, but his children and grandchildren will remember him more for his tales of being a critical part of the war effort in the 1940's, even though the conflict ended when he was five.
Arne was social, but also comfortable with solitude. After a day of work, he often enjoyed hitting a squash ball with firends, which always carried with it the camaraderie of the squash lounge afterward. He loved tending his vineyards and watching sunsets. Above all however, was the love he held for his family. He was the ultimate protector and guardian of the Arnesons.
Arne and Cookie loved to travel. Let me say this about that, and that is this: they travelled very widely and very well and enjoyed interesting adventures and destinations all over the world. More importantly, they enjoyed each other's company and loved each other very much.
Second only, mayber, to the Drake Passage, Arne's favorite place on earth was his farm in Missouri, where he will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, TN 37020, or online thewebbschool/support-webb/give-now.com
