O.B. Arestad, 89
O.B. Arestad, 89, formerly of Kalispell, passed away peacefully at home in Tucson Ariz., with his wife, Leona, by his side Oct. 3, 2005.
He was born in Livingston, on Dec. 12, 1915. His parents were John and Oline Arestad.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an older sister, Agnes; and his younger brother, Erling.
In 1920, the family moved to Norway for about a year and then returned to Billings. O.B. received his grade school, high school and some of his college education in Billings. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Montana in Missoula. He began his teaching career in Park City.
In 1942, O.B. entered the Army and proudly served his country in World War II in the Pacific. After the war, he returned to teaching in White Sulfur Springs and Glendive, where he met Leona Miller. They were married Nov. 25, 1948, and were married for nearly 57 years.
O.B. and Leona had a long and loving union. Their companionship and love for each other supported them in good times and bad. As the years passed, their love continued to grow, and O.B. was especially grateful for Leona's deep love during his illness.
O.B. taught music in several Montana cities. His longest and last teaching position was in Kalispell, where he taught for 20 years and had many students. He taught orchestra and band in grade school, junior high and high school. Orchestra and the violin were his primary interest.
In addition to teaching music and directing church choirs, he sang in many choirs and played in several orchestras. In Tucson, he was a member of Our Saviors' Lutheran Church choir, the Sunshine Barber Shopper's chorus and the Foothills Philharmonic. O.B. taught many beginning band and orchestras, and though the notes were not always sweet, he still enjoyed giving the gift of music. May all the notes sound sweet to him now.
O.B. was an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter. He loved most sports and encouraged his sons to participate. O.B. truly enjoyed many outings with his family. The outdoors was very special to him, and he shared this love of the outdoors with his sons. O.B.'s love of the outdoors and sports were passed to his grandchildren, who participate in sports and also enjoy the outdoors.
O.B.'s strong faith in God carried him through many difficult times of his life. His faith and the church community meant so much to him. He will be greatly missed by his wife, family and friends. He is now at peace after a lengthy and difficult illness.
His wife, Leona, and three sons and their wives survive him, John and Gloria of Littleton, Colo., James and Nancy of Kalispell, and Jeffrey and Kim of Allendale, N.J. Seven grandchildren also survive him, Ian, Cecilia, Lydia, Sage, Michael, Kristen and Sarah. Niece, Judy Quanbeck, and nephew, Duane Quanbeck, and wife, Marie, also survive him.
Memorials can be made to Casa de La Luz Hospice Foundation, 400 W. Magee Road, Tucson, AZ 85704; or Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1200 N. Campbell Road, Tucson, AZ 85719.