Arnold Allen Narverud, affectionately known as Curly, was born on May 31, 1929, in Excelsior, Minnesota. He passed away on February 7, 2026, at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Arnie’s life was marked by dedication to family, service to the community, and a commitment to his profession.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM Masonic Service on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also begin at 10:00 AM with the service to honor Arnie’s life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Jeff Keller officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 117, VFW Post 2793 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Arnold was educated in the local schools, attending Lincoln High School graduating with the class of 1947. During his high school years, Arnold was active in the following: varsity football, varsity track, intramural basketball, wrestling, junior class officer, The Prowler staff as manager of boys’ sports, choir, National Thespians, Jr. and Sr. Class play productions, Prom and Homecoming Committee, and Eagle Scout.

After high school, Arnold attended Moorhead State University for two years, playing football for the college. He attended Dakota Business College for one year before being called to serve in the United States Army where he attained the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged on December 7, 1951. He also graduated from the National Institute of Cleaning and Dyeing.

On October 13, 1951, he married the love of his life, Gladys Mahla, at the Trinity Lutheran Church parsonage in Thief River Falls, with Pastor G.S. Thompson officiating. Together, they created a loving home where they welcomed four children: Allen (Shelley Schoenherr) Narverud of Ira, MI, Cheryl (Larry) Lee of Thief River Falls, Holly (Mark) Haugen of Thief River Falls, and Jay (Jane) Narverud of Burnsville, MN. The family was further blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose lives brought them much joy.

In 1956, the family moved to Mankato, MN. In 1929, Arnie's parents, John Arnold and Emma (Nelson) Narverud, founded Narverud Cleaners. In 1963, he and his brother, Donovan took over the family business, continuing as partners until 1977. In 1972, the brothers purchased Model Laundry. Arnold was very proud to have his daughter, Holly, purchase the business in 1994. His devotion to quality service and his entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting impact on the Thief River Falls community.

Arnie's passion for travel led him to explore extensively throughout the United States, Norway, and even experience a journey through the Panama Canal. For over twenty years, he and Gladys also enjoyed winters in Tucson, Arizona, creating many cherished memories together.

A man of many interests, Arnie loved hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He was deeply committed to civic engagement and served his community with distinction.

His proudest accomplishments include: Masonic Northern Lodge #236 receiving his 75-year pin in 2025 as a Knights Templar, Kem Shriner’s and Eastern Star, 60 years with the Lions Club where he has volunteered on every project they have undertaken, serving as President from 1980 - 1981, receiving the Helen Keller Award in 2008, the Melvin Jones Award in 2009. He served as president in 1978 and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, receiving the lifetime member award in 2012.

He served on the board for the Northland Community College Foundation, Chairman of the United Way, president and member of the Jaycee’s, member and Past Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 117 where he served with the Color Guard, was secretary of American Legion Color Guard 2011-2014, member of Forty & Eight, served as President of the Thief River Golf Club in 1970, served on the Thief River Falls City Council from 1969-1978, Scout Master of Troop 59, served on United Methodist Church Council, volunteer in the Thief River Falls School District, Served on the TRF football chain gang for 30 years, volunteer at World Junior Hockey Tournament 2005, Elk’s Club past exalted ruler and member. Arnold had a part in the building of several buildings in Thief River Falls including the Airport, Law Enforcement Center, Library, and the Huck Olson Arena while on the City Council. Showcasing his leadership and commitment to promoting community activities.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, Shannon Jackson (George Brown), Sabrina (Steve) Briolat, Derek (Stacy) Lee, Jared (Megan) Lee, Trevor (Sarah) Lee, Michelle (Aaron) Janisch, Kim (Aaron) Tompkins, Paul (Becca) Narverud, Mandy (Jeff) Groen, Shari Narverud; and 25 great-grandchildren, as well as his sisters-in-law, Carol Narverud and Lucille Kvasager, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will remember him fondly.

Arnold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gladys; his parents; his brother, Donovan Narverud; sister, Camille (Robert) DuChamp; infant sister, Carole; sisters-in-law, Judy (Joe) Johansen and Bernice (Jerome) Larson; brother-in-law, Goodwin Kvasager; granddaughter Samantha Brewer; great-grandson Caleb Vincent.

Arnold Allen Narverud leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and service, and he will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials are suggested to Shriner’s Hospital, Thief River Falls Education Foundation, and HIA Hospice (formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley).