Arne I. Martinson, age 89, of Twin Valley, MN, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Essentia Health in Ada, MN.

Arne Irving Martinson was born at home on the farm, rural Gary, MN, on May 18, 1936, the son of Arnold and Anna (Evenson) Martinson.  He grew up helping on the family farm and was baptized and confirmed at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary.  Arne attended country school and graduated from Gary High School with the Class of 1954.  Following graduation, Arne furthered his education at Bemidji State University, where he received his teaching degree.  He entered the workforce teaching in Grand Forks, ND, for a short time followed by Ada Elementary School.  After a few years, Arne then taught in Plummer, MN, before settling down in Twin Valley, where he would spend the remainder of his teaching career.

An evening at the Rancho with friends would cross Arne's path with that of Sonja Sethney's and it was love at first sight for Arne.  They were married about a year later on June 9, 1962, and made their home in Twin Valley.  They were blessed with three children: Toni, Mark and Rick.  In addition to teaching 6th grade, Arne also held the title of Elementary Principal and School Bus driver.  He retired from teaching in May of 1994 but continued to be active with the kids by continuing to drive bus.  In 2020, when Arne's health began to decline, he retired, and he and Sonja moved into the Normandy apartments in Twin Valley.

Arne was not only a teacher but a man of many talents and aspirations.  His love for teaching brought about the annual 6th Grade trip to the Twin Cities.  He enjoyed attending Norsk Høstfest, constructing homes and buildings, with several being in Twin Valley and even a couple Dairy Queens.  When he finished building or remodeling a home, he would turn to the garage and create a warm family room.  He also enjoyed converting buses into campers, working on cars, and tending to his hobby farm.  Arne was hard-working, witty and never one to complain.  He was a great cook and a bit of a perfectionist, always getting the job done properly.  He was a long-time member of Ness Lutheran Church and most recently a member of Zion Lutheran Church.  Above all, Arne loved his wife and family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren, which is why it makes it so special that he spent his last day on earth surrounded by those he loved the most.

Arne is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sonja of Twin Valley; a daughter, Toni Martinson of San Diego, CA; a son, Rick (Valerie) Martinson of Barnesville, MN; a daughter-in-law, Tanya (Jason Thompson) Martinson also of Barnesville; five grandchildren: Brooks (Jaycie Hinrichs) Martinson, Ryan Martinson, Kailee (Michael) Strand, Seth (Sydney) Martinson and Sidney (Joe) Thorson; four great grandchildren; one brother, Lowell (Pat) Martinson of Phoenix, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark; two sisters, Mavis Jerdee and infant, Arcell; and two brothers, Duane (Waetta) and Gene.

Blessed be the memory of Arne I. Martinson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 26, 2025, with a visitation 1 hour prior, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley.  Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Twin Valley.