John “Jack” McArthur
John “Jack” McArthur, age 88, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, under the loving care of his family and HIA Hospice.
John William the oldest son of Bernard and Delphine “Teta” (Ross) McArthur was born in White Earth Township on November 8, 1937. He attended St. Michael’s Catholic School through the 8th grade followed by Mahnomen High School. Jack was an exceptional athlete, excelling and appointed the captain of the basketball, football and track team during his high school years. Following his graduation with the Class of 1955, John was united in marriage to Darlene Bjerken. That fall, he began classes at MSU but soon realized he would need to support a family, so he entered the workforce.
Jack and Darlene moved to Coral Gables, FL, where his uncle Scotty was able to teach him the trade of becoming a tile setter/installer. He learned quickly and became very efficient at his job. As time went on, Jack and Darlene would be blessed with seven children. The family made their home in various cities but spent quite a bit of time in Detroit Lakes and Fargo, ND, where he established McArthur Tile Co. After many successful years of self-employment, he decided to retire and Jack moved to Long Lost Lake and proudly built his home from the ground up. Although he and Darlene divorced earlier, they were able to reconnect a couple years ago, and she was a key part of him being able to remain at home until his passing.
Over the years, Jack kept busy with work and family but will be remembered as a “Jack of All Trades”. He was a good listener, a man who only gave advice if asked, not caring for gossip but more “tell it like it was” attitude. He loved to design and build homes, following his grandkids’ sporting activities and just being with family. He proudly passed on his athletic ability and his legacy of tile setting to his grandkids. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed woodworking, listening to music, especially Blue Grass, and more recently working Sudoku puzzles. Jack had so much love and pride for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him.
Jack is survived by Darlene McArthur of Detroit Lakes; a son, Lincoln (Renae) McArthur of Fargo; five daughters: Julie (Tim) Olson, Lorie (Richard) Holmer, Dona (Gary) Rosell, Kari (Dan) Lane and Maggie (Chad) Schmit all of Detroit Lakes; 13 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; three brothers: Steven McArthur of Mahnomen, Scott McArthur of Lengby, MN, and Tim (Barb) McArthur also of Mahnomen; three sisters: Nancy Bratvold , LaVerne Hisgun and Tammy McArthur all of Mahnomen; a brother-in-law, Ron Bellefeuille also of Mahnomen; several nieces, nephews, cousins and his faithful constant companion, his dog, Buddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kim McArthur, six siblings: Joan “Bunkie” LaFriniere, Mary Ann Keogh, Evelyn Tangen, Lucille Goodwin, Clyde McArthur and Suzie Bellefeuille.
The family would like to acknowledge Chaplain Arlen and the members of the Blue Team of the HIA (Hearts in Action) Hospice team that gave such loving and compassionate care to Jack in his last days at home with family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Detroit Lakes.