Robert John Arneson

Robert John Arneson, age 82, of rural Ettrick, died on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at
his home.
Robert was born on December 10, 1942 in Whitehall to Basil and Mabel
(Erickson) Arneson.
Bob, as he was more affectionately known, graduated from Blair High School in 1964.
He later enlisted into the United States Air Force in January of 1964. He
advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant working as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist
with the 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron. He was stationed at RAF
Wethersfield in England during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged
in August of 1971. During his time with the Air Force he was awarded the Air
Force Longevity of Service award and the Air Force Good Conduct medal with
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.
After Bob’s time of service he worked as a parts manager at Indianhead
International truck repair shop in Eau Claire. Bob loved anything with an engine.
He enjoyed spending time with his buddies racing for dirt track championships
in the WISSOTA Association. Along with his brother, he got very involved with
his nephew, Jake’s, stock car racing. He spent any available Saturday night
during the summer at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway cheering him on.
Outside of racing, anyone who knew Bob also knew he loved the Packers. Some
would even go so far as to call him “Packer Bob”. He never missed watching a
game and went to as many in person as he could. With his free time full of racing
and Packer games you would find it hard to believe that he had time to help
found the Beaches Corner Classic Tractor Club. Bob was a John Deere
enthusiast. This was an organization that was “Deere” to his heart.
Bob is survived by his nephew, Alan “Jake” (Becky) Arneson and two great-
nephews, Caleb and Hewitt Arneson (Melrose, WI), nephew Barry (Lisa) Hoff and
two great-nieces Evangeline and Karina Hoff (Hortonville, WI) and many cousins.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his twin brother,
Richard and a sister, Beverly Hoff.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Blair
Lutheran Church West (Zion) with burial in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery both in
Blair. Mr. Scott W. Brown – SAM will officiate. Military graveside services will be
conducted by the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231.
Friends may call one hour prior to the service.