Arnold M. Fazekas

life story

Arnie

Arnold (Arnie) M. Fazekas

Age 84, passed away at home as he wished surrounded by his family.

Arnie grew up on a farm in Stillwater with eight siblings and his first-generation Hungarian Immigrant parents. Arnie loved to recall stories of driving the red John Deer tractor, feeding chickens, and milking cows, all before school. After graduation from Stillwater High School, the family sold the farm and moved to the Selby-Dale neighborhood in St. Paul. He met his wife, Bonnie Barnum, on a blind date and they married in 1962. Arnie left for basic training in the Army reserves soon after marrying. He was proud of his service. Married 56 years, they raised four children living in Maplewood and then moving to North St. Paul to the Barnum family home. Arnie dedicated his life to providing for his family working thirty-three years at 3M in manufacturing. They enjoyed bonfires with friends, snowmobiling Sundays in the winter at the house in Maplewood, summers at Silver Lake, camping trips, and having a large extended family and many friends to socialize with. They made many treasured friends at Springvale Campground, the summer trailer, where Arnie was the notorious only Mayor of Springvale. Golf cart rides, beer around the fire and exploring area diners for breakfast created many shared memories.

Arnie loved going out for breakfast. Waitresses at every local diner knew to keep his coffee cup warm and full. Never in a hurry, joining Arnie for breakfast might turn into lunch. You would most likely be asked, ‘what, you in a hurry?’ He coined many phrases, including ‘If you go hungry, it’s your own fault.’

Arnie was extremely proud of his eight grandchildren. He adored his daughters and loved their spouses and his grandson-in-law. After moving to the Legends in Woodbury, Arnie met Pricilla who conveniently lived across the hall. Pricilla showed Arnie all sorts of new adventures including trips to the Mall of America, Stillwater, a St. Croix River dinner cruise and trips to Duluth and Two Harbors. They married September 17, 2022. Pricilla, showed Arnie unconditional love and cared for him during his illness, allowing him to die at home as he wished. We are grateful for the extraordinary care team from Beyond Hospice who assisted in keeping Arnie at home.

Arnie is preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie, son Daniel, parents Anton and Julia Fazekas, and Anton’s second wife, Alice. Siblings, Ernest, Helen Mclalwain, Richard and wife Lucy, George and wife Bev, and Gloria and husband Bill Aubin. Also preceded in death by in-laws Charles and Helen, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Korlin and Charles, sister-in-law Betty Connolly and Jim, brother-in-law Dick Barnum and JoAnne, and brother-in-law, Patrick Barnum. He is survived by daughters Christina Maas (Michael), Eileen Franzmeier and Amy Brown (Joe). Grandchildren Danielle Reding (Michael), Kaitlin Krepel, Nathanael Maas, Aidan Maas, Daniel Franzmeier, Charles Franzmeier, Isabelle Brown, and William Brown. Also survived by brother Edward (Judy) Fazekas and sister Betsy (Pete)Backlund, brother-in-law Bob Barnum sister-in-law Sue Barnum, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Survived and greatly missed by his wife Pricilla Ng Fazekas and daughter Sasha Christopher (James) and Baby Allison.

Visitation will be on November 11th at 10:00AM followed with a Memorial Service of Word at 11:00AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church 2131 Fairview Avenue North, Roseville Minnesota, 55113. Luncheon to follow at the church. The service will be live streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWFV-0R_BOfC4rbKiz8pP9AiJfo4ZEak

The burial will take place at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in North Saint Paul following lunch. Memorials preferred to Beyond Hospice 6025 Upper 35th St North, Oakdale, MN 55128, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, or the family.

We express our deepest gratitude to Father Fitz, Sue Valois, Toni Leach, and the Parish Community of Corpus Christi and Beyond Hospice for their pastoral ministry.

memorial service

Memorial Service of Word

November 11, 2023

Corpus Christi Catholic Church 2131 Fairview Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113, USA

Visitation at 10:00AM. Lunch at church following the service.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services