Arvid Eken

Arvid B. Eken, age 78, Perham, MN (formerly of Fargo) passed away Friday December 4, 2009 at Meritcare Palliative Care surrounded by family. Arvid was born on January 3, 1931 in Hatton, ND to Knut and Clara (Smestad) Eken. He attended rural school in Hatton, ND, later graduating from NDSSS in Wahpeton, ND. In 1951 Arvid enlisted in the Army, serving in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1959. On March 11, 1955 he married Janice Ike in Detroit Lakes, MN. Arvid started working for the Fargo Fire Department in January 1958 later becoming Captain until his retirement in 1992. In addition to the fire department, he was a highly sought after carpenter building many houses, garages, lake homes and additions. Upon retirement they moved to their home on Devils Lake near Perham, MN and spent winters traveling the warmer states. Jan passed away in 2000. On October 26, 2001, Arvid married Arilda Januszewski of Perham, MN. Arvid was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo and served on many committees and boards within the church and the community. He enjoyed wood working, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family and friends. Arvid’s sense of humor was second to none and he always enjoyed a good laugh. He made an impact on everyone he came in contact with and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Arvid is survived by his wife, Arilda; 3 daughters, Kim (Wade) Wyatt, Karen (Don) Gibson, Kris (Jim) Friederichs all of Fargo; 7 grandchildren, Travis (Anne) Wyatt, Carrie (Derek) Schroeder, Matthew and Alysha Gibson, Jordan, Zach and Tate Friederichs; 9 Step-children, Connie (Steve) Richter, Greg Januszewski, Nora (Rick) Heinecke, Bill (Judy) Januszewski, Andy (Shelly) Januszewski, Kevin (Caroline) Januszewski, Mary (Charles) Schornack, Jennifer (Bob) Schamp, Elizabeth (Mike) Urbach, 32 Step-Grandchildren and 9 Step-Great Grandchildren; 2 sisters, Evelyn Anderson and Caroline Tunseth; 3 brothers, Kenneth (Lorraine) Eken, Stanley (Clarice) Eken and Dennis (Jean) Eken; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jan, brother Bobby, sister-in-law, Carol, brother-in-law Milton Anderson and brother-in-law Lester Tunseth. Memorial Service: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 2:00 PM at Hope Lutheran Church – North Campus, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Monday, December 7, 2009 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Inurnment: Ada Cemetery, Ada, MN, at a later date.