Arnold Lawrence Raether

Arnold “Arnie” Raether, 70, of Fergus Falls, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 13, 2024 at his home. 

Arnie was born May 23, 1954 in Eau Claire, WI to Lawrence and Doris Raether. He was raised in Augusta, WI. As a teenager he started racing snowmobiles, winning many trophies. He graduated from Augusta High School. Throughout his working years, he held different jobs in Wisconsin, California and Minnesota, always finding his way back to hardware stores. While living in California with his sister, Marce, he would often make trips to spend time with his girls, enjoying their favorite activity of downhill skiing. 

He married his soulmate, Kathy on July 24, 1998 in Eau Claire, WI. From their first kiss to his last breath, they were inseparable, and the love they had for each other was one that others strive for in their own relationship. They resided in Eau Claire and Milwaukee, WI and St. Paul, MN until 2015, when they moved to Fergus Falls, MN. 

Arnie enjoyed fishing, especially with John and Caleb, snowmobiling, writing poetry, ice racing, and playing pool. He cherished spending time with Kathy, his children and grandchildren, as well as his friends at Marie’s. He made friends wherever he went and enjoyed entertaining others with his antics. From disappearing from a room to reappear in an outlandish outfit, to showing up as Sasquatch, he kept everyone in stitches. If he wasn’t making you laugh, he was making you cry with his heartfelt emotions. He was a kind soul, always there to offer support in your most difficult times. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. 

Arnie is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughters, Amanda (John) Koutney, Alisha (Stephen) Rylander, Doneen Deleon, Julie (Kevin) Boese, Sarah Sturtz (Eric Wolle) and Kristin Hoffman; sisters, Sylvia and Marce; brothers Loren (Judy), Duane; sisters in law Nancy and Lynnette (Gordy); mother in law Evelyn; grandchildren Ivy (John), Stori, Blayre, Via, Olivia, Harrison, Sam, Eliza, Tatum, Abbey, Conner, Taylor, Bear, Aubee, Everleigh, Chris, Caleb, and Callan; great granddaughters Harper and Eisley; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don; father-in-law, Howard; brothers in law Rick and Ron; sister-in-law Linda and granddaughter Maddie. 

A visitation will be held Monday, September 23, 2024, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11am, with a visitation one hour prior at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. 

Arnold will be greatly missed. 

Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home ~ Fergus Falls.