Robert Arneson left this world peacefully and without regret on January 7, 2025, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Millie. He was 95.
Born December 24, 1929, to Einar and Alberta Arneson in St. Paul, MN, Robert was the second eldest son, and brother to Harold, Richard, and sister Corinne. From all accounts, Robert had a rambunctious and adventurous childhood that made him a particularly fun father and grandpa later in life.
Robert proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant overseas during the Korean War and was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service. Upon his return to Minneapolis, a chance meeting on Nicollet Avenue led to marriage and a 70-year union with the love of his life, Millie Hafvenstein. Robert pursued his traffic management certification and purchased their first home on the G.I. Bill. During his operations management career in the trucking industry, Robert earned the nickname “Arnie Atlas” for his ability to navigate truckers to their destination safely and on time; a skill he later used as the family chauffeur. Robert retired from his career in 1986, following a cancer diagnosis that he and Millie valiantly fought, making Robert a 40-year survivor.
In his personal life, Robert was a quiet man whose words carried weight, truth, and often humor. He never sought to be the center of attention yet was the life of the party. He was the person you could count on to support you in your endeavors and celebrate your accomplishments. Robert will be remembered as the “Silly Uncle” who could ride a bike backwards, the “Fun Grandpa” who took you on road trips to explore (and let you drive), the “Great Grandpa” who gave his undivided attention, a faithful husband, and a devoted father.
Robert led a full life on his terms, and true to his nature and despite the curveballs of life, Arnie Atlas arrived at his final destination right on schedule. He was a good man.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold and Richard Arneson, and son-in-law Dan DeChristopher. He is survived by his wife Mildred, sister Corinne Petterson, daughters Diane (Guy) Duensing, Sandra Schooler and Ellen DeChristopher; Grandsons James Duensing (Eugene), Ryan Vallandingham (Jennifer), Jeff Vallandingham (Meg), Robert Schooler (Samantha), Great grandchildren, Benjamin, Ainsley, Harper, Hudson and Nova, Carson City cousins Gregg and Lynn Berggren, and many extended family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am, March 3 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on N. Saliman and E. Williams in Carson City, NV. A private committal of ashes will follow at the Genoa Cemetery, Genoa, Nevada. The family thanks St. Mary’s Hospice, American Legion Posts #238 and #56, Pastor Paul Larson, Capitol City Cremation and Burial Society, and our numerous friends and family for their support during this time.