David Andrew Arntson, 79, of Eau Claire, WI died peacefully in his sleep, in the presence of family, the morning of September 3, 2009. \r\nHe was born February 23, 1930, in Rice Lake, WI to Elrena and Adolph Arntson. David's sense of humor and creativity were present at a very early age. \r\nDavid received his Bachelors and Masters Degree from UW Superior in Guidance and Administration. He entered the United States Army in April of 1953. He was stationed in the Marshall Islands during the hydrogen bomb testing from 1954 until his honorable discharge in January of 1955. \r\nHe married Marlene Johnson June 18, 1955, in Park Falls, WI. \r\nHe enjoyed his time and touched many lives during his 35 years with the Eau Claire School District. Two years were spent at the junior high at Fourth and Lake St. He then moved to Central Junior High and retired as Director of Counseling at South Middle School. David's commitment to education was recognized in 1966 when he received the Eau Claire Jaycees' Young Teacher of the Year award. \r\nHe enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge of the outdoors with his children, grandchildren and others. He shared many fishing and hunting trips with family and friends. David's sense of humor and sharp wit drew people to him. His family and friends will remember him for his ability to figure out a way to do or make almost anything. This talent allowed him to remodel the family cottage on Island Lake where some of our happiest family times are spent. David loved his camping trips where he shared his love for music and adventure with his girls. His musical talents were shared with those around him including his congregation and his participation in barbershop quartets. David worked with at risk boys several summers. He was very active in his retirement and spent his time volunteering at TRY Mediation, socializing with friends and volunteering at church. \r\nDavid is survived by his wife, Marlene; three daughters, Kathy (Kent) Gierhart and their children Katrina and Kisja, Kirsten (Brian) Gierhart and their children Christopher, Colin, and Cory, Kari (Craig) Walter and their children Park and Lydia. He is also survived by three sisters, Gertrude Turner of Rice Lake, Ann Lucas of Littleton, CO, and Betty (Bertie) Howell of Pocatello, ID; a brother, Wayne (Margaret) Arntson of Rice Lake; and mother-in-law, Frances Johnson of Eau Claire; as well as nieces and nephews.\r\nDavid is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy Shervey; brothers-in-law, Dean Shervey, John Turner, and Duane Lucas; and father-in-law, Murvin Johnson; two nephews and one niece.\r\nMemorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at Lake Street United Methodist Church with Reverend Graham N. West officiating. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. Monday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Tuesday at church. \r\nMemorials may be sent to Lake Street United Methodist Church, 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI, 54703 or a charity of your choice.

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