Jon McArthur

Jon McArthur

December 19, 1954 - May 14, 2023

Jon McArthur, age 68, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Jon was welcomed into this world on Dec 19th, 1954. He was the first born of Earl and Nellie (Hansen) McArthur. Earl and Nellie worked for Congressman Harold Hagen in Washington D.C. and that's where Jon was born. Shortly after his birth, Congressman Hagen lost re-election, and they moved home to Mahnomen, living next door to Grandma Anna. Jon had the fondest stories of his Grandma who was dear and near to his heart.

Jon attended Mahnomen School, graduating in 1972. Jon furthered his education at NDSU, graduating with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. Upon graduation and a pharmacy licensure, he was commissioned into the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corp (USPHS). His first assignment was working at the White Earth Clinic. Jon went on to be stationed in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he met the love of his life, Deb.

Who would have guessed that they were both members of the White Earth Ojibwe tribe, meeting in New Mexico. Jon and Deb married on August 6, 1983. His career took their family to many different locations and provided them with amazing, rich, cultural experiences. His pride and joy were Meredith Nell, who was born in Yakima, WA, in 1986 and his cubby bear, Ian Charles, who was born in Mahnomen, MN, in 1989. The family moved to Gaithersburg, MD, when Jon was selected and subsequently completed a master's in public health at the United States Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. After completion, the family moved to Anchorage, AK, making their home in the foothills of the Chugach Mountains. Jon was appointed the Indian Health Service Chief Pharmacy Consultant for the state, which gave him the opportunity to visit the Alaskan villages that were only accessible by float plane or plane. In addition, during the family's time in Alaska his permanent station was at Anchorage Native American Hospital as Chief of Pharmacy.

In 1997 the family moved back to Mahnomen, MN after the loss of Jon's stepfather. Jon worked as the Chief Executive Officer of the White Earth IHS Center. He served as the Chairman of all SUD's in the Indian Health Service. Monthly he would fly to board meetings all over the U.S. Jons overall last tour of active service was from 12/01/77 to 08/31/06, retiring as a military retiree at the rank of Captain; a total of 29 years of service in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corp. It was not long before he found himself back at the White Earth Health clinic pharmacy as a civil servant. After 5 years of service Jon officially retired for the second time.

His love of learning and education will always come to mind when thinking of Jon. He enjoyed volunteering at the school, serving on the Mahnomen School Board, and helping with math in junior high and after school STEAM in the elementary. Jon volunteered his time up until COVID. Due to his health, COVID prevented him from leaving his house. Jon enjoyed mowing the lawn in his later years; he had a strong love for music and enjoyed playing guitar. His nephew, Jason, held a special place in his heart as they shared the same appreciation for guitars and music.

The love of Jons life was Mia, Gavin & Sawyer. Grandpa Jon spent the last 16 years enriching the lives of his grandchildren, and helping to grow their love of learning, nature, and sports. Grandpa and the kids would be found gardening, cross country skiing (at the age of 3), doing science experiments, STEAM activities, flying and coding drone paths, and golfing. He supported the kids in any activity that brought joy to their young lives and his daily life as well.

Jon is survived by his wife, Deb (Bellonger) of Mahnomen; two children, Meredith McArthur (Cory Thorpe), and Ian McArthur; his three grandchildren: Mia, Gavin and Sawyer; one sister, Mary (Steve) Hall of South Twin Lake, one brother, Charlie (Melynne) McArthur of Peru, NY; sister-in-law, Ruth McArthur; and his nieces and nephews: Jason, Nathan, Tyson (Whitney), Jackie (Jesse), Nikki (Brendin), and Joni (Eric). Jon was preceded in death by his father, Earl McArthur; his mother, Nellie McArthur Rydberg; his youngest brother, Thomas McArthur; and his stepfather, John C. Rydberg.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Lunch and Fellowship will be held directly following the service at Pinehurst Resort in Naytahwaush, MN.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family

Funeral Service

First Lutheran Church

Saturday, May 20, 2023

10:00 AM

222 1st St NW

Mahnomen, MN 56557

Funeral Service

First Lutheran Church

Saturday, May 20, 2023

10:00 AM

222 1st St NW

Mahnomen, MN 56557

Funeral Service

First Lutheran Church

Saturday, May 20, 2023

10:00 AM

222 1st St NW

Mahnomen, MN 56557