Emma Marie Arneson

Emma Marie Arneson, a woman whose life was rooted in family, faith, and service to others, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at the age of 89 with her son Matthew by her side and is now with her Lord and Saviour.

Born in Spirit, Wisconsin, on April 13, 1936, Marie grew up on the first homestead in the state—land her family purchased in 1883. Her childhood on that historic farm shaped her deep appreciation for hard work, community, and the rhythms of rural life. She attended a one‑room schoolhouse in Spirit before graduating from Rib Lake High School in 1954.

Drawn to caregiving from an early age, Marie pursued nursing school and began her career as a nurse in Merrill, Wisconsin. In 1956, while in Superior, she met the love of her life, Marvin Arneson. They married on October 3, 1959, and soon settled into their home in South Range, Wisconsin – they were married for 66 years. This is where they raised their four children, born between 1960 and 1970. Their home and “mini farm” was full of activity, music, and the steady warmth of Marie’s presence.

Marie poured her energy into her community as generously as she did into her family. For many years she served as an active leader of the Parkland Raiders 4‑H Club, guiding young people through drama and musical productions, helping them prepare exhibits for the Douglas County Fair, and supporting the club’s dog‑training group. Her encouragement and creativity left a lasting mark on countless children.

Her faith was a central part of her life. Marie was a devoted member of the South Range Presbyterian Church, the Country Peace Presbyterian Church and the Phillips Presbyterian Church. Whether singing in the choir or directing it, serving with the Presbyterian Women’s group, or acting as an elder on the church session, she offered her gifts with humility and joy.

After her children were grown, Marie returned to her first calling. She recertified her nursing credentials and spent 20 years caring for residents at Middle River Nursing Home, retiring in 2000. During the years when Marvin campaigned for—and served as—Douglas County Sheriff, Marie supported him wholeheartedly, traveling across the county and earning the affectionate nickname “Kitty,” a nod to the character from Gunsmoke.

In 2013, after both she and Marvin retired, Marie fulfilled a long‑held dream: returning to the Spirit, Wisconsin area where she had grown up. Being close to her large extended family brought her great happiness, and she cherished the opportunity to spend her final years surrounded by the people and landscape that had shaped her life.

Marie will be remembered for her kindness, her steadfastness, her gentle humor, and the way she made every community she touched feel more connected and cared for. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the many people she nurtured through her nursing and volunteer work, and in the generations who continue to gather on the land her family first called home more than a century ago.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents: George and Angela Swanson; stepmother: Nina Swanson; “Dad”: Roy Meier; “Mom”: Helen Meier; siblings: Ronald Meier, Marilyn Erickson, Arne Meier, Gene Meier, Wesley Meier, Kenny Swanson, Bud Swanson, Gladys Jenson, and Joyce Sjostrom. She is survived by her husband: Marvin Arneson of Ogema, WI; children: Matthew (Denise) Arneson of Phillips, WI, Mary (Dan) Scharinger of Fond du Lac, WI, Michael (Ann) Arneson of Chippewa Falls, WI, Marty (Samuel) Arneson of Binghamton, NY; grandchildren: Chad (Alaina) Sclavi, Ryan (K) Sclavi, Creg Sclavi, Logan (Kenzie) Sclavi, Stephanie (Robert) Bazal, Cory (Kelsey) Arneson, Erin (Joey) Arneson-Purvis, Graham Arneson; great-grandchildren: Calvin Bazal, Marshall Bazal, Russo Sclavi, Corrado Sclavi, and Mattia Sclavi.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm March 9, 2026, at Phillips First Presbyterian Church in Phillips, WI. No visitation will be held prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Marie’s honor can be made to Phillips First Presbyterian Church, 144 N. Avon Ave, Phillips, WI 54555.