Jerry Lee Arenkiel

Jerry Lee Arenkiel was born on July 28, 1950 in Saint Cloud, MN to Harvey “Bud” and Charlotte Arenkiel.  He passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at the age of 71. 

Jerry grew up on a farm north of Milaca along the Rum River.  He graduated from Milaca High School in 1968.  After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, and during that time did two tours of duty in Vietnam, one on land and one on ship.  On November 25, 1977 he married Sue Olson and they raised a family in Milaca.  Jerry was a devoted husband and father.  He always said that his faith and family were the most important things to him.  He served his community as a Boy Scout Leader, EMT, and church elder.  In 1993, Jerry and Sue moved to the Zimmerman area.  He was employed at PFC Equipment for 42 years until his retirement in 2018.  He enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, time at the lake cabin, the outdoors, fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening, and time with his dogs.  He was a longtime member of Faith Community Lutheran Church in Zimmerman.  We will deeply miss Jerry’s sharp wit, warm humor, guiding advice, and dedication to his faith.

Jerry is survived by his wife Sue; children Michelle Studniski of Elk River, MN, Ben (Jennifer) Arenkiel of Pearland, TX, and Jack (Brandy) Arenkiel of Zimmerman, MN;  grandchildren, Wyatt (Gina) Studniski, Julius Arenkiel, Breckin Arenkiel, and Lake Arenkiel; sisters Linda (Dean) Fredrickson and Linette (Ted) Ziegler;  brother Chip (Amie) Arenkiel; step-siblings, Dale (Barb) Fredrickson, Deloris (Ken) Kothman, Dean (Linda) Fredrickson, and Denny Fredrickson; also many other family members and friends. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Charlotte, step-father Avert Fredrickson, mother and father-in-law Edwin and Margaret Olson.

A private family church service will be held.  A public celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date.