Arnold W. Sunnarborg

Arnold W. Sunnarborg, age 86, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2019 in Edina, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and is survived by his children: Renee (Tom) Kumpula of Elk River, MN; Arlan of Atlanta, GA; Rhonda of Minneapolis; Rachelle (Bruce) Rokala of Kimball, MN; Alden (Susan) of Myersville, MD; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; brothers Earl (Shirley) and Tom (Yvonne); sisters Shirley Myrmel and Kathy Ahlgren; as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. Preceded in death by brother Howard and sisters Dorothy and Verna. Arnold was born in Cloquet, MN to the late Erland John and Impie Sunnarborg. Arnold was introduced to the craft of carpentry as a young boy working alongside his father, a master carpenter and custom cabinet builder. Arnold graduated from Cloquet High School in 1951. At the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he earned an undergraduate degree in Industrial Education in 1955; followed by a Masters degree in Education in 1964. Shortly after he began teaching, he was united in marriage to his lifelong sweetheart, Ruth. They were married for 60 years until Ruth's death in 2015. He taught industrial education for 37 years at Proctor High School and also taught courses for Potlach and DM&IR Railroad. He loved teaching - in and out of the classroom. He was a stickler for the economical use of materials, always eager to find the best way to get things done, and took pride in producing quality work. Arnold was active in the church and community. He served on the Esko School Board, was a longtime Sunday School teacher and Board Member of the Esko Apostolic Lutheran Church, active in the Stonecroft Christian Couples' Club, a charter Board Member of Lutheran Bible Fellowship, a short-term missionary to Russia, was active in many other Christian groups, and member of the Esko Historical Society. He enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities, and relished trying new foods. He had a keen eye and outstanding fix-it skills. He loved a challenge, but to ensure the best outcome, he insisted that each new project begin with time for contemplation: "First, we have coffee." VISITATION: 11 a.m. until the 12 noon Memorial Service on Friday, December 6th in the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 25 Church Road, Esko. A luncheon will follow the Memorial Service. Private interment will be in the church cemetery. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.