Arvid Gravdahl

Arvid John Gravdahl died peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2015, surrounded by his family at Senior Class Care in Pequot Lakes. He was 99 years 10 months old. Arvid was born July 13, 1915, to Emil and Pernell (Kirketeig) Gravdahl. A first generation American, he was born on the farm west of Pequot Lakes, the land purchased by his father in 1903. Living with his five brothers and two sisters, Arvid learned to be a dairy farmer. The Gravdahl farm was surrounded by farms owned by his mother's family (Kirketeig name became Anderson when they moved to America) and he grew up with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. Arvid went to school in both Pequot and Pine River, graduating from Pine River in 1934.

On October 16, 1937, Arvid married Lorraine Marie Nylander and together they stayed on the farm, eventually purchasing it from Arvid's parents where they raised eight children. Arvid shared many memories of working the fields with teams of horses and was proud to own the first John Deere tractor in the neighborhood. Over the years, the house was a center of activity with three generations living under one roof, but Arvid still found time to participate in civic and religious organizations: Farmers Union, Pequot School Board of Education, Our Savior's Lutheran Church Council, the DFL, and also serving on the boards of the REA and UPA for many years. In 1998, Arvid and Lorraine sold the farm to their son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Tammy Gravdahl, but continued to live there. Arvid's life was still all about farming, but when his wife, Lorraine, became ill, Arvid learned to do laundry, cook and clean while taking care of her. While it was sometimes very difficult, he insisted on doing that for her as she had faithfully cared for his parents and for other family members over the years. Lorraine died in 2000. They had been married for 62 years.

In 2009, Arvid moved to Pine River, living at the Good Samaritan Senior Living Apartments. Three years later, needing more care, he moved to Senior Class Care in Pequot Lakes, where he appreciated the attention of those working there.
Arvid is survived by his children: David (Jan), Sharon (Bill) Ingvoldstad, Marilyn (Lyle) Amundson, Linda Brandon, Mary Frost, Judith (Rick) Haphey, Timothy (Shelli); daughter-in-law, Tammy Bargy (James); 22 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lorraine; son, James; sons-in-law: Jerry Wallin, Wilfred Frost; granddaughter, Ashlee Theriault; brothers: Oscar, Alfred, Conrad, Otto, Clarence; and sisters, Clara Jones and Ella Robideaux.
Arvid will be missed by many. He loved his family and especially enjoyed the visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He often told others that he never had much money, but he was the richest person he knew.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 9 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Lunch will be served at the church prior to burial at the Gravdahl Family Cemetery on his beloved farmland.