Anthony “Tony’ L. Arnfelt, age 95 of Waseca, died on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Benedictine Care Center in Owatonna.
Tony was born on his family’s farm in Waseca County on January 19, 1928, to parents Corbie and Esther (Sampson) Arnfelt. He attended school in New Richland and graduated with the class of 1945. He enlisted in the United States Navy directly out of high school and served on the USS Hancock Aircraft Carrier where he was a Plane Captain, Seaman 1st Class. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Minnesota and was married to Iona May Paulson at the Le Sueur River Lutheran Church on June 13, 1948. Tony and Iona owned and operated a service station in New Richland and were some of the first in our area to sell snowmobiles, campers, firearms, and other outdoor recreational equipment. In addition to the regular service station work they also delivered bulk fuel oil and would change out tires and parts for farmers right out in their fields. Tony was very skilled in automotive body work and was one of the most precise metalworkers you could ever meet. Following their time owning the service station business, Tony and Iona enjoyed driving for Winnebago and delivered RVs all around the United States. Tony was an adventurer who enjoyed hunting and trapping, traveling, dancing, country music, restoring old cars, and collecting coins and costume jewelry. He was a long-time member of the American Legion in New Richland and attended Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waseca.
Tony is survived by his wife of seventy-five years, Iona of Waseca; two children, Kristine Sibilrud of Waseca, and David (Elise) Arnfelt of Waseca; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He will also be remembered by three siblings, Eileen (Joe) Sampson of Owatonna, Paul Arnfelt of Owatonna, and Joanne Waddington of New Brighton. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jeffrey Arnfelt; two brothers, Robert and Richard Arnfelt, and a sister-in-law, Gail Arnfelt.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waseca, with Rev. Eric Ishimaru officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Following a luncheon, interment will take place at St. Olaf Cemetery in New Richland. Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca is handling the arrangements. dsofuneral.com