Watch Tom's Funeral Mass

Tom J. McArthur, age 63, of Naytahwaush, MN, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 7, 2022, near Naytahwaush.

Thomas James McArthur, the son of Earl and Nellie (Hansen) McArthur, was born on January 30, 1959, in Detroit Lakes, MN.  He grew up in the Mahnomen area and proudly graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1977.  He furthered his education studying diesel mechanics.  Tom then worked as a mechanic for the Uranium mines in Wyoming for a time.  On August 23, 1980, Tom was united in marriage to Ruth Nattress and they were blessed with three sons. They made their first home in Grand Forks, ND, where Tom was employed with Hanson Ford. In 1984, they had the opportunity to purchase the Naytahwaush Village Store from Ruth's grandparents, Sid and Gerda LaVoy.  They moved back to Naytahwaush and have owned and operated the store together for the past 38 years.  They also purchased a small cabin on South Twin Lake where they made many wonderful memories as a family.  As retirement approached, Tom and Ruth decided to build a permanent home there, which they just completed.  He loved being on the water, riding around in his pontoon, visiting with friends, and listening to music. Tom appreciated the outdoors and when not at the store, he was often hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

Tom was very active in the Naytahwaush community. Over the years, he helped with various projects, even organizing the first, and only, Naytahwaush fair.  He was a member of the Twin Lakes Fire Department for many years and a founder of the Boys and Girls Club.  Tom was also an active member of the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club and was instrumental in the success of the Hospice Run and the Snodeo each year.  He was a lifelong Mahnomen Indian school sports fan and was their team photographer.  "Tommy Mac" loved cheering on his boys, their friends, and all his nieces and nephews in their events. His family was the most important part of his life.  He cherished Ruth, his sons, and his two precious grandsons. He was the brother, uncle, and friend everyone leaned on.  Tom built his life around his family, and he built his new home to provide a special place for all of them to gather.  Tom's easy smile and the twinkle in his eye was heartwarming.  He truly loved to laugh and made many dear friends. Tom had a heart of gold and will be truly missed.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ruth of Naytahwaush; three sons: Jason of Las Vegas, NV, Nathan of Naytahwaush, and Tyson (Whitney) of Moorhead, MN; two grandsons: Easton and Emmett; two brothers: Jon (Deb) of Mahnomen, and Charlie (Melynne) of Peru, NY; one sister, Mary (Steve) Hall of Moorhead, MN; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; as well as Ruth's family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl McArthur; his mother, Nellie McArthur Rydberg; and his stepfather, John C. Rydberg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 :00 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen .  Visitation will be at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush, MN , on Friday, February 11, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30.  Interment will take place at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, and CDC guidelines, social distancing will be practiced. Masks are encouraged. The service will be recorded and available on our website shortly after the service.