Obit: Myhrwold, Rev. Arvid C. (1921 - 2014)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Myhrwold, Jerdee, Meyer, Tuenge, McPhail, Johnson

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 09 Apr 2014

Myhrwold, Rev. Arvid C. (24 JUN 1921 - 31 MAR 2014)

“Relationships are not just important, they are everything.” -- These were the guiding words of Rev. Arvid C. Myhrwold, 92, who passed away at St. Therese at St. Odilia in Shoreview, Minn., on Monday, March 31, 2014. He lived this mission throughout his life: as an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as a faithful and encouraging husband, as a wise and loving father, as a mentoring grandfather and great-grandfather, as an advocate for youth in the Boy Scouts of America and Bible camp experience, as a curious naturalist and gifted musician, and as the best friend of any dog that he encountered.

Arvid was born on June 24, 1921, in Deronda, the son of Albert and Cora (nee Jerdee) Myhrwold. He worked beside his father on the family farm until the Lord called him into pastoral ministry. He married Adeline Johnson in 1950, graduated from Concordia College in 1952, and was ordained from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., in 1955. He pastored churches in Midland, S.D., Greenwood, Downsville and Blair. His special gifts to the people he served were listening, story-telling, teaching and counseling. In 1986, Arvid and Adeline retired to the home in Deronda where three generations of his family had lived. In retirement he continued to build relationships as an interim pastor with 14 rural congregations, culminating in 50 years of ordained ministry. In 2006, Arvid and Adeline moved to Minneapolis, and shared life and home with daughter, Freda. Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony welcomed them and provided a supportive and loving relationship until the end of his life.

He is survived by Adeline, his wife of 64 years; five children, Deborah (Wayne), Lonsdale, Minn., Peter Myhrwold, Cloquet, Minn., Kristine (Don) Meyer, Waverly, Iowa, Freda, Minneapolis, and James (Tammy) Myhrwold, Sartell, Minn.; his grandchildren Carl, Jarel, and EmMee, Maria and Andrew, and Kaleb and Meleah; two great-grandchildren, Justus and Titus; a sister, Sylvia; numerous nieces and nephews; and the “children of his heart,” Tsuru (Dick) Tuenge and Yukiko (Pat) McPhail.

Arvid was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Anfin; and a sister, Froydis Yoshitomi.

Celebrations of his life and God’s goodness were held at 7:15 p.m., on Saturday, April 5, at Nativity Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn., and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at Deronda Lutheran Church, Amery. Arvid’s wish to be cremated has been honored and arranged by Williamson-White Funeral Home, Amery. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, visit www.williamsonwhite.com.  Memorials may be directed to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., or The Gathering at Nativity Lutheran Church. It would be a tribute to Arvid’s memory if those who have known and enjoyed him would continue to build good relationships with others.