Thomas Arneson

Thomas Arneson, 70, of Viroqua died Wednesday, September 05, 2012. In the early morning hours of September 5th, Tom Arneson passed away at home with his family and friends surrounding him. Tom is in heaven frying catfish for his parents and close friends that went before him. Tom was born June 5th, 1942 in Viroqua to Don and Lea (Watson) Arneson. He graduated from Viroqua High School in 1960. He married Lillian Olson in 1963 that same year, they purchased the Pabst Blue Ribbon distributorship from Earl Getter. They had two children Stacey and Sam. Tom and Lillian later divorced. Tom married Cheryl Johnston in 1983. Tom owned and operated Arneson Wholesalers for 30 years. He enjoyed the people he worked with and those he met along the way. He had wonderful memories he enjoyed sharing over a beer. Tom was willing to help anyone who asked him. He enjoyed cooking chicken for Chicken Qs at the local posts, frying catfish for the Dewey Open, and cooking Smelt at the VFW. Tom never said no to anyone who asked for his help. Tom always enjoyed the time he spent at the river. Especially commercial fishing and hunting with his dad and time at the cabin. After retiring, he worked for Meals on Wheels delivering meals to the elderly and delivered for the La Crosse Tribune. Along with that he enjoyed, goose hunting, gardening, cooking, canning what he raised and reading. He was a member of the Eagles Club and Ducks Unlimited. He is survived by his wife Cheryl, his two children Stacey Arneson and Sam Arneson whom he loved very much. His five grandchildren; Jordan (Sarah) Mickelson, Karlie Hansen, Ashley Arneson, Aric Arneson, and Aaron Arneson. His loving sister Annbel (Larry) McGarry, three nieces Rachel (Charles) Turben, Brooke (Seth) Rohweder and Kate Gilman, two nephews Matt McGarry and Nate Gilman, brother-in-law Rick (Tammy) Gilman, many other relatives and friends, and two pal dogs Percy and Pepper. He is preceded in death by his parents Don and Lea Arneson, his nephew Joel McGarry, his mother-in-law Marge Gilman and Windsor, Wrinkles and Smokey. The visitation will be held at 11:00 am with a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm on September 15th at the Vosseteig Funeral home in Viroqua. There will be an open house celebration of Toms life at his home after the Memorial service. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.