Arnold A. Sundberg, 89

Arnold A. Sundberg, 89, Columbia Falls, passed away at North Valley Hospital Sept. 9, 2014.  

He was born Aug. 28, 1925, in International Falls, Minn., to Eric Albert Sundberg and Anna Sundberg. He spent his early years in International Falls.

Arne joined the Army in 1942 and served in the Co L 351st Infantry in Italy where he received the Purple Heart. He also received one Bronze Star for the Rome-Arno Campaign.

He married Beverly Anna Guay in International Falls on Jan. 21, 1950. They moved to Lewiston, Idaho, where he worked at the papermill. In 1953 they moved to Columbia Falls and settled in the Heights area where he still lived at the time of his death.

He worked at the Anaconda Aluminum plant until he retired. Over the years he enjoyed square dancing, bowling, fishing and especially working in his workshop creating woodcrafts. He spent many hours creating beautiful items out of wood and giving them to friends and family members. He was truly a skilled craftsman.

Arne was a post commander of the VFW in Columbia Falls and participated with the cemetery committee at St. Richard’s Catholic Church which he attended for many years.

In August of 1975, Arne married Barbara Fredricks. They spent many years enjoying life after Barb retired, traveling and visiting family.

Arne was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Anna Sundberg; two sisters, Florence Coultas and Louise Sundberg; his first wife, Beverly; his daughter, Cindy Jorgenson; and his eldest son, Barry Sundberg.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughters, Arna Bryant of Hayden, Idaho, and Donna Sundberg of Colbert, Wash.; his son, Leslie Sundberg, of Spokane; stepdaughters, Corby Guse of Bigfork and Christine Baker of Alabama; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Columbia Falls Mortuary. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. at the mortuary. The funeral will be at noon on Saturday, Sept. 13, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls, with burial at St. Richard’s Cemetery and a luncheon to follow at the church.

The family wishes to thank all the medical professionals and EMTs that were so courteous and professional during this stressful and untimely period. Arne will be greatly missed.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for Arne’s family.