Arnold E. Quarnstrom

            Arnold E. "Arnie" Quarnstrom, 90, of Brooklyn Park, formerly of Crystal, passed away on August 3, 2022 at St. Therese Senior Living in Brooklyn Park. He was born January 6, 1932, the youngest of 4 children born to Stefford and Dora (Ferrell) Quarnstrom in Cambridge, MN. 

            Arnie was a star basketball player at Cambridge High School, graduating in 1950. Shortly after high school he was drafted into the US Army and served two years in Korea. On August 26, 1960, he married Dianna Norlander in Mason City, Iowa. They made their home in Minneapolis where they welcomed two daughters, Sheryl and Colleen. In 1972 they moved to Crystal, Minnesota where they lived until moving to St. Therese of Oxbow in 2018.

            Arnie retired from the U.S. Post Office in St. Paul in 1988 after 30 years. He also worked at the Minnesota State Fair in the Grandstand for 14+ years, where he made many friends and created some very interesting memories! His passions were obvious to all who visited him in Crystal. He loved Las Vegas, horse racing and Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn came to entertain the troops while he was in Korea, and the pictures he took that day were among his most prized possessions. Arnie spent many hours during retirement in his backyard screen house. If you ever needed him, that’s where you most likely would find him, with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He grew to become a big horse racing fan following the debut of Canterbury Downs in 1985, even attending the Kentucky Derby twice with Sheryl. He also had many stories about Las Vegas, having been there over 30 times. Everyone loved visiting the basement at their home in Crystal, to play the (real) slot machines and blackjack machine. Christmases were spent at the authentic poker table, where everyone gathered with their money to play blackjack. Arnie was well known for his great sense of humor and will be missed so much for that.

            Arnie is survived by his wife Diane of Brooklyn Park; daughters Sheryl Quarnstrom of Plymouth and Colleen (Bruce) Wuollet of Maple Grove; 3 grandchildren: Chad Wuollet, Kelly Wuollet, Jesse Wuollet; and close friend Larry. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Arnell Quarnstrom, sister Fern Peterson, brothers Willis Quarnstrom and Milo "Mike" Quarnstrom, and Arthur, his schnauzer and best buddy.

            A Celebration of Life will be held on September 10, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at St.Therese at Oxbow Lake - Club Room, 5200 Oak Grove Pkwy, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Overflow parking around the corner at the Regent entrance.  A private interment will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

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