Nellie Mcarthur Rydberg

Nellie Emma Rydberg, 92, Fargo, ND, died March 2, 2014 in her home at Riverview Place, Crosshaven, under the care of her daughter and Hospice.

Nell was born April 6, 1921, to Hans A. and Alice (Lerud) Hansen at their home on Minnesota Ave. in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Nell grew up surrounded by music in her home. She learned and loved playing violin, clarinet and piano.

She graduated as Salutatorian in 1939 from the Detroit Lakes High School. She attended Moorhead State College. She returned to Detroit Lakes, working for the now, Dept. of Agriculture. In 1946, she worked as the bookkeeper for West Central Airways in Fergus Falls. She took flying lessons at the Detroit Lakes Airport, achieving her dream to fly solo. In 1949, she became secretary to MN Congressman Harold C. Hagen in Washington, D.C. It was there she met Congressman Hagen’s administrative assistant R. Earl McArthur, the love of her life. One of Nell’s most exciting memories was her attendance at a Presidential Inaugural Ball. She married Earl in 1953. They returned to Earl’s hometown in Mahnomen, MN to raise their family. After his sudden death in 1964, Nell remained in Mahnomen, selflessly raising their four children.

In 1966, she began working for the Farmers Home Administration in Mahnomen. Nell became involved in local activities including, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Mahnomen Hospital Auxiliary, Library Club, and The Mahnomen School Board, serving as Chairwoman for 3 years. She enjoyed golfing and weekly bridge with friends. She was a diehard Mahnomen football fan, rarely missing a game.

Nell retired from Farmers Home Administration with 33 years total government service. She married John C. Rydberg of Duluth, MN, in October 1983. Together they enjoyed companionship and much travel, including Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and other destinations across the U.S., visiting family and friends and welcoming new grandchildren. They resided in Duluth, a city Nell loved.
In March 1998, John joined his first wife Helen in eternal rest. Nell moved to Moorhead to be close to family. Nell remained active in her children and grandchildren’s lives. She especially loved gathering with family and friends at South Twin Lake, spending many late nights around the campfire.

For the past 10 years, Nell resided at Riverview Place, living independently until moving to Crosshaven at Riverview Place in February 2013. She always referred to the staff there as her friends.

Nell is survived by her children: Jon (Deb) McArthur, Mahnomen; Charlie (Melynne) McArthur, Watertown, NY; Tom (Ruth), Naytahwaush; Mary (Steve) Hall, Moorhead; her grandchildren, Joni (Eric) Weiss, children Eden and Sydney, Plymouth, MN; Jason McArthur, Las Vegas, NV; Nathan (Lori) McArthur, Naytahwaush; Tyson (Whitney) McArthur, Moorhead; Meredith (Cory) McArthur, children Mia and Gavin Bonagofsky, Mahnomen; Ian McArthur, Mahnomen; Jackie Hall, Moorhead; Nikki (Brendin) Hall, Mapleton, ND.

John’s family, Rick (Nancy) Rydberg, San Diego; George (Carol) Rydberg, Ashland, WI; Ted (Mary) Rydberg, Marana, AZ; Kristen Rydberg, Rochester, MN; Robert Rydberg, River Falls, WI; Mary (James) Hoffman, Richmond, TX; Carol (Jim) Harbaugh, Oronoco, MN; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

God Bless the memory of Nell.

To view Nell's Tribute Video visit www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm