Clarence Oscar Arneson spent his entire 90 years of life on this earth in the Hysham, Montana area. He passed away peacefully on December 6, 2018 at Aspen Meadows in Billings, Montana, after spending the day surrounded by family and friends.
Clarence was born on October 6, 1928 to Clara Julia Hagen Arneson and Oscar Ingvald Arneson at the family farm in Pease Bottom (Myers), Montana. He grew up on the farm, along with his brother Kenneth and sister Mildred, and graduated from Hysham High School in 1947. He spent a few years as a bachelor, while he helped farm and ranch with his father and enjoyed telling stories of the fun he had going to country dances with his good friends during these years. Eventually, he met Constance Jean Foust, who had recently begun attending high school in Hysham. They were married on January 25, 1959 and settled into life on the family farm. They were married nearly 40 years until Connie’s death in 1998. During their years together, Clarence and Connie enjoyed countless family picnics in the hill pastures with their children. Later in years, they bought a camper and loved traveling to a few bluegrass festivals every year. Clarence also found great pleasure in his cattle and horses, as well as a few dogs and cats. He passed this legacy of love and respect for all animals onto his four children, Laura Jean, Julia Diane, Leslie Clarence, and Brian Duane. Clarence was also a lover of people; and, no one was a stranger for long in his presence. He will always be remembered for his bright blue eyes and gentle smile; his well-timed, witty one- liners and appreciation of a good joke.
After Connie passed away in 1998, Clarence eventually met and married Alice Rae Halmans in 2003 and moved into Hysham. In their earlier years of marriage, Clarence and Alice enjoyed attending senior dances in Miles City, until arthritis got the best of his mobility. Clarence continued to be an active, faithful member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Hysham, serving as a deacon until shortly before his death.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Alice, of Hysham; brother Kenneth Arneson (Billings, MT); daughter Laura Arneson Willems (William) of Myers and children Amy Willems Kimberlain (Gary) and Shawn Willems of Hysham; Julia Arneson Tagney (Brian) of Kimball, MN and children Kirbee Tagney Nykamp (Nathan) of Sioux Center, IA, Burke Tagney of St. Cloud, MN and Michaela Tagney of Minneapolis, MN ; daughter-in-law Deitra Barrus Arneson and children Chase (Tori) and Chyenne; and Brian Arneson (Danette) and daughter Ashley of Billings, MT. He is also survived by Alice’s children: Joanna Kotar, John Halmans, Jerome Halmans, Joe Halmans and Jeff Halmans and their families, as well as his beloved nieces and nephews. His great grandchildren include Ella, Oliver, Rosie Nykamp, Shawnna, Zander and Zamaya; Billy Jean Willems Clark (Kevin) and daughter Alayna, Serena, Lilly and Clara Lynn Kimberlain; Shawna, Zander and Zoe Willems; and Adryan and Sylvia Arneson. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mildred, wife Connie, son Leslie, grandson Bryce and great great grandchildren Mya and Ava Clarke and special sister-in-law Nona Arneson. All donations may be made to Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday December 13, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Friday December 14, 2018
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 14, 2018
Ranchers Cemetery
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday December 13, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Friday December 14, 2018
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 14, 2018
Ranchers Cemetery
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Larry & Vicky Fink says
Our deepest sympathy Julie & family in the loss of Clarence. He was such a nice man and always up for a good visit. Take care and let us know if we can do anything to help.
Garfield Alexander III says
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friend of Clarence. I hope that the words found at Psalms 34:18 brings you comfort at this time.
Lisa says
Please accept my family’s condolences. I hope you can find comfort in the promise that the Apostle Paul looked forward to at Acts 24:15 – “I have hope toward God, that there is going to be a resurrection of the righteous…” After our loved ones are resurrected, we can look forward to being reunited in peaceful and happy conditions in a paradise earth (Psalms 37:11, 29).
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
Laurie and Bill — So sorry for your loss — our thoughts and prayers are with your families at this time!
Frank and Lawanda Mouat says
Our prayers and love to all the family. Clarence was a special friend!! As is the family. May your happy memories ease the pain of his passing and love give you comfort. Praise the Lord for the promise of the resurrection!!
C.B. Heiser says
Prayers for the family of such a wonderful man, I met him in Baker as he stopped by with his bride in tow, such a nice wonderful happy couple, always wearing a smile and always had a kind word! God may he rest in peace and walk with the Lord in the sky, God bless and prayers for all.
Ralph Sutich says
Alice And Family My Condolences Are With You And Your In My Prayer
Ellen Louise Schoemer says
Condolences to all you kids, Julie, Laurie, Brian and extended families. Clarence and Connie were always at all kids functions and encouragement to us. They had me play their favorite songs on the piano for them too. And then Alice and Clarence as well. We trust that Clarence is in Heaven because of the Lord Jesus Christ promise to him. We are thankful for the Bible which shows us the way.
Bob & Edna Mouat says
Deepest sympathy’s to the family. Clarance was a top rate fine person, always there when you needed help, fun to be around. He was always at the old country dances enjoying the music even when we first started playing & weren’t very good, 😀.
Harriet & Veryl Jansen says
Alice and all of Clarence’s family. Was saddened to hear of Clarence’s passing. He was always kind and fun to be around. We are unable to return for the funeral. Sending prayers.
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Arneson family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” to May God bring you comfort and peace.