Bruce A. Arneson

Bruce A. Arneson, age 89, passed away on November 3, 2015. Bruce was born on June 14, 1926 to the late Enoch and Clara (Eckstrom) Arneson in Barron, Wisconsin. He married the former Shirley Jean Schacher on February 5, 1949 in Hartland, Minnesota and they moved to Michigan shortly after. Bruce was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He retired as a truck driver from Ray Molder, Inc. and was a member of Teamsters Local 486 as well as the American Legion. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Bruce enjoyed visiting the casino, a good round of golf and morning coffee with his friends at MacDonald's as well as time spent with his family. In addition to his wife, Shirley, Bruce is survived by 4 daughters and 3 sons-in-law; Kathy and Chris Elzinga, Sally and Royal Goulette, Cyndy and David Rabidoux, and Brenda Arneson. Thirteen grandchildren and their families; Jason Elzinga, Heidi Eno, Jared Elzinga, Heath Goulette, Joshua Elzinga, Shawn Fry, Hollie LaRue, Autumn Neview, Jessica Heintskill, Whitney Gall, Harth Goulette, Casey Lazaruk and Alissa Dufort as well as 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Bruce is also survived by his brother, Robert Arneson, 3 sisters and one brother-in-law, Agnes VanAlstyne, Carol Reed and Joan and Blake U'ren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Gerry Schacher as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Brett Mayhew, 1 sister-in-law, Dorla Arneson and 2 brothers-in-law, Eugene Reed and Ernest VanAlstyne. At the request of Mr. Arneson cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place Monday, November 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Rev. Andreas H. Teich followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council. Private inurnment will take place in Elm Lawn Cemetery. The family will be present at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Sunday from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. to receive family and friends and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, Brian's House or a charity of the donor's choice. The family wishes to thank Hospice Advantage for the care and comfort provided to Bruce in his final days.