Obituary for Rev. Arnold Lindgren

Arnold Lloyd Lindgren, born on July 4, 1933, in Eddy Township, Minnesota, to Oscar and Sally (Nordlund) Lindgren, passed away on April 27, 2024, after battling prostate cancer. Arnold was baptized and confirmed at Oak Park Lutheran Church in rural Clearbrook, MN. A 1952 graduate of Clearbrook High School, Arnold attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis and Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he graduated in 1957. At Concordia, he met his future wife, Joyce Larson, and they married on June 8, 1957, at Elim Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale, MN. Arnold's theological journey continued at Luther Seminary, and Augustana Seminary, receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. 

Before his ordination in 1961, Arnold served multiple parishes in Alberta, Canada (Czar and Hughenden), Michigan (Cadillac, Gilbert, and Grand Rapids), North Dakota (Sheyenne and Underwood), and Minnesota (Clearbrook, Leonard, Oak Park, Pelican Rapids, Battle Lake, and Amore). Following his ordination, he served faithfully as Lutheran Pastor (E.L.C.A.) in various parishes, including Underwood, ND; Pelican Rapids, MN; Olivia, MN; and Minneapolis, MN. 

Arnold’s life was marked by a profound commitment to faith, family, and community. He cherished his pastoral roles, often serving multiple small parishes simultaneously. As a father of 12, he instilled in his children the values of faith, hard work, integrity, and humor. After retiring, Arne and Joyce spent many peaceful years on Jewett Lake in Fergus Falls, MN, before returning to Minneapolis. An avid gardener, Arne also enjoyed caring for pets, walking, and playing games like Farkle, Aggravation, and Solitaire. His final months were spent at home, cared for by his children and hospice services, where his faith, sense of humor, and grace remained ever-present. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He is survived by his children: Rand (Donna) Lindgren, Kirby (Diane) Lindgren, Sandra Lindgren, Miguel (Monica) Lindgren, Christopher Lindgren, Jackeline (John) Krech, Nancy Shannon Lindgren, Michael (Amy) Lindgren, Orlando Lindgren, Susan (Scott) Minder, and Nicole Lindgren; 13 grandchildren: Trinity, Blake, Lexy, Kaylie (DJ), Emily (Kyle), Mitchel (Autumn), Shonia (David), Nico (Tonisha), Tsergio (Zöe), Taylor, America, Samuel, and Camila; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nora Johnson; in-laws Audrey Miller and Paul Thorson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce E. Lindgren (1934-2016); daughter Brenda Sue Lindgren (1960-1978); siblings Fritz, Norman, and Adele; in-laws Jim Johnson, Roland Miller, and Joan Thorson. 

Memorial services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, (4100 Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis) on July 12, 2024 —visitation at 10 am, service at 11 am. Interment will follow at 1:00 pm on July 14th at Oak Park Lutheran Cemetery, in Weme, MN (12739 440th St, Clearbrook, MN 56634). MN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Joseph’s Indian School, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or Sharing & Caring Hands.