Paul A. “Big Bear” Arneson 1961 - 2017

HANSON, ARNESON, DORRIS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/4/2018 at 11:35:48

Sioux City Journal
30 November 2017

Whiting, Iowa

Paul A. “Big Bear” Arneson, 56, of Whiting, passed away Friday, November 24, 2017, at his residence.

Services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, December 2 at Community Church of Christ in Sloan, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

Paul was born on July 22, 1961 in Farmington, Minn., the son of Daniel and Laurel (Hanson) Arneson. Paul grew up around Phoenix, Ariz. and graduated high school from Cresbard, S.D. in 1979. He married Cheryl Dorris on October 23, 1983 and to this union, three children were born, Brandy, Aftan, and Steven.

The family moved to South Sioux City in 1983. Paul worked as a mechanic and welder throughout the Siouxland area for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and was always tinkering around with something. Paul was a family man with a big heart and strong faith. He would carry the stress on his shoulders, so that others didn’t have to. Paul would do anything he could for those in need and always had a way of putting a smile on your face. Family was the most important part of his life, especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his mother, Laurel Arneson of Glendale, Ariz.; children, Brandy (Carl “Lito” Nelson) Arneson of South Sioux City, Aftan (Nate) Phipps of South Sioux City and Steven “Scootch” Arneson of Whiting; best friend, Cheryl Arneson; brothers, Daniel Arneson of Salix, Iowa and Ed (Kelly) Arneson of Denver, Colo.; sisters, Danette (Harold) Holmberg of Arizona, Betty (Tom) Brishky of South Dakota and Joyce Halbakken of California; and grandchildren, Aidan “Boo,” Kaleb “Keiko,” Lola, Lincoln “Chowder,” Raelynn “Rae Rae” and Edie “Eders.”

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Daniel; sister, Laurella; brother, Jim and grandson, Noah.