Arthur Senger

life story

Arthur Senger

Jan. 18, 1946 – Oct. 25, 2025

Arthur Senger was born on a farm outside Linton, North Dakota, the youngest of five children raised among crops, cattle and steady work. His older brothers taught him early to listen up, pull his weight and speak his mind—sometimes in that order.

After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force, spending most of his four years at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York. There he met 19-year-old Bernadette Bassett, who became his wife less than three years later. They bought their first house in Frankfort, east of Utica, where Art briefly studied accounting. The former airman was sharp with numbers and blunt with teachers, convinced he could do it better himself—practical as ever, he thought accounting should be taught the way it’s actually used.

Offered an accounting job in Eagan, Minnesota, he and Bernadette moved west—it felt like a good middle ground between his prairie roots and the East Coast. As they pulled from the driveway, Art remembered a foster child without a bike. Their own son had one. “Wait, I’ve got something yet to do,” he said—often restless and opinionated, always generous. He bought a bike, left it on the front step with an anonymous note to make sure it reached the right child, then hit the road.

In Minnesota he continued in accounting, later teaching days and evenings at a Dakota County vocational school. He first joined Toastmasters to sharpen his public speaking, then stayed to help others find their voice—passing along what he’d learned in the same practical, plain-spoken way he taught everything else.

Family road trips in the station wagon—pet in tow, Dad with sunflower seeds, Mom navigating routes, kids calling out license plates—forged summer memories on the way to visit his brothers’ farms and his parents back in Linton.

Art and Bernadette were married for 20 years. Though he never remarried, he was rarely without company. He enjoyed his independence and every chance at a witty conversation.

After the divorce, Art stayed in Burnsville near his kids and built a career in auto sales. Quick with numbers, fun to talk to, honest and straightforward, he mastered the business one lot at a time. He drove his children to North Dakota, picking them up in whatever model was hot that week. All three went on to college and careers, knowing their father was always eager for a call or visit—always wanting to qualify his frequent saying: “I’ve got the best kids.”

After a stroke in 2016 Art’s life slowed but never lost shape. At an assisted-living facility, neighbors and staff knew they could knock on his door for advice, a story or a laugh. Even during hospital stays at the VA he wanted his door left open—still the same man who believed in staying useful and connected.

Preceded in death by his parents Anton and Regina and brothers Raymond and Edward. Survived by his children—Melanie, Dustin and Chad—his sisters Alice and Diane, his many grandchildren and friends who knew his elder antics and convictions, his graying blue eyes and fading farmer’s tan.

Memorial Service 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Cremation Society of MN - Edina Chapel (7110 France Avenue S, Edina, MN 55435). Burial to follow at 1:00 PM at Fort Snelling National Cemetery (7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450).

The family welcomes flowers, or if preferred, memorial donations to help with funeral expenses.

memorial service

Memorial Service

December 29, 2025

Cremation Society of Minnesota 7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435, USA

Burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services