McArthur, George Aaron 1934 - 2007

MCARTHUR, DUFF, LARSON

Posted By: Norman Hjelmeland (email)
Date: 2/9/2014 at 23:17:47

George Aaron McArthur, a native of Decorah, died July 26, 2007, in Florida.

He was born Sept. 9, 1934, near Decorah, the son of Hazel and Nels Duff.

In 1942 he was adopted by Joseph "Mac" and Blanche McArthur. George was educated in the rural schools of Winneshiek County,and graduated in 1953 from Decorah High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed book camp training in San Diego, Calif., and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan and was honorably discharged in 1957.

He was united in marriage with Mary Jane Larson Dec. 27, 1958. They resided in Minneapolis, Minn., where he completed a refrigeration course at the Dunwoody Institute. During the next years the couple lived in Indiana, Missouri, Florida and Iowa.

While in Florida, their son Joseph was born. While he lived in the Iowa community of Carroll, a second son, Steven, was born.

Eventually, the family returned to Decorah. George spent most of his time at Luther College, retiring in 1996. He remained busy at home, spending many hours in his workshop, writing, fishing and traveling.

In 2003, they returned to Lehigh Acres, Fla.

In June, he and Mary Jane completed a long-planned trip to Ireland and the United Kingdom, with friends. Upon his return, he was diagnosed with an agressive form of cancer.

Survivors include his wife Mary Jane; sons Joseph of Kent, Wash., and Steven of Germantown, MD; his two brothers, Lester Duff of Decorah and John Duff of Alva, Fla. Also surviving are numerous nephews, nieces and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and several brothers and sisters.

Victory service was held Aug. 6, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Lehigh Acres, Fla., with the Rev. Dr. Douglas C. Wahlberg officiating.

Decorah Public Opinion, August 14, 2007