Arlen Birkeland

Olaf Arlen Birkeland "Arlen", 81, of Gonvick, MN died on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick, MN with Pastor Kris Snyder officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley, MN. Interment will be at the Samhold Lutheran Cemetery in Gonvick. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted with the arrangements.

Arlen was born September 13, 1935 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Sigurd and Carrie (Moen) Birkeland. He attended school and graduated from Oklee High School in 1953. He attended Bemidji State College after high school. In 1958, he enlisted in the United State Army and received an honorable discharge on May 27, 1960. Arlen married Betty Sundquist on July 24, 1963 in Gonvick. They made their home in Gonvick. Arlen began his banking career at Northern State Bank in Gonvick before joining the Army in 1958. After his discharge, he returned to Northern State Bank in 1960 where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

Arlen served on numerous committees and organizations volunteering in church, school, and community activities. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 304 in Gonvick for 55 years and most recently served as Adjutant. Friends were important to Arlen, he never missed an opportunity to tell a great joke, or share a story about his family. He was a great listener, and was willing to go the extra mile for many people. His heart was overwhelmed when people showed kindness, or did good deeds. He was grateful and spent a lot of time finding the words to show his appreciation.

He loved all sports, especially cheering on his kids in the past and now his grandchildren. He was an avid golfer. One of his favorite pastimes was horse racing. He also enjoyed the football pool, and had a very competitive edge when he was playing against a fellow sports fan, with the name Betty. Arlen and Betty spent many summer vacations golfing and taking in the horse races in Winnipeg. He enjoyed spending time at the lake with family and friends.

Survivors include two sons – Dean (Teri) Birkeland of Fergus Falls, MN; Richard (Julie) Birkeland of New Richmond, WI; one daughter - Ruth Ann (Craig) Haugen of Becker, MN; five stepdaughters – Donna Ballard, Elk Grove Village, IL; Diane (Craig) Malkovich, Phillips, WI; Sandy Danielson, Reno, NV; Barbara (Dean) Halvorson, Harwood, ND; and Carla Tice, East Grand Forks, MN; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters – Beverly Sampson, Thief River Falls, MN; Lolly Borchert, Apple Valley, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty; his sons – John Birkeland and Neal Birkeland; stepdaughter Peggy Brovold; brother Ordeal Birkeland.