ARTHUR SVENNUNGSEN obituary BIG SANDY

Arthur John Svennungsen died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, of natural causes at the Big Sandy Medical Center at the age of 91. Survivors include his son, Jeffrey D. Svennungsen (Connie) of Kent, Wash.; his brothers, Amos (Mary) Svennungsen of Kalispell, and Paul (Sheila) Svennungsen of Chesapeake, Va.; his sisters-in-law, Doris Gullickson of Big Sandy and Gaynell (Clinton) Tempel of Great Falls; two granddaughters; 6 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Art was born Jan. 25, 1919 in Le Roy Minn., to the Rev. David and Carrie (Munson) Svennungsen. He moved to Big Sandy in 1928 with his family of six brothers and two sisters. Art graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1939. He joined the U.S. Army on Jan. 23, 1941, serving his county in World War II until his honorable discharge on Nov. 10, 1945. After his discharge, he built, owned and operated the A&P Cleaners for many years. He also was a mail carrier and caretaker of the Big Sandy Cemetery until his retirement. He married Betty Ann Gullickson Sept. 18, 1954, and they resided in Big Sandy their entire lives. Their beloved son, Jeffrey Deen was born Nov. 28, 1959. Art was preceded in death by his beloved parents; his wife, Betty Ann; sisters and brothers-in-law, Esther and Don Brown, and Ruth and Ralph Madison; brothers and sisters-in-law; Phillip and Betty Svennungsen, Rolf and Ethel Svennungsen and David and Helen Svennungsen, and brother Steiner; and brother-in-law, Clifford Gullickson. He was an active member of the Christ Lutheran Church and a member of the church choir. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club in Big Sandy and a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also involved in many Big Sandy community activities. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy, with pastors Mike Conner and Rich Jespersen presiding. Burial will follow in the Big Sandy Cemetery. Memorials may be given in his name to the Big Sandy Medical Center, Big Sandy Rotary Club or Christ Lutheran Church. Services are in the care of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home of Havre.