Rev. Arne Waldemar

Rev. Arne H. Waldemar died unexpectedly at the age of 95 on December 26, 2009 in his home at Harris Villa, Westfield. Arne had been in good health and had spent Christmas Day with his daughter, son-in-law and other family members for the Annual Family Christmas celebration. In the morning on December 26, he suffered a massive stroke which quickly ended his life here on this earth.

Arne was born April 12, 1914 in the northern part of Norway. He attended the Baptist Seminary in Oslo, Norway and upon his graduation in 1942, married his long-time sweetheart, Rachel. WWII was raging during this time, but Arne accepted a call to become the pastor for a church in the northern part of Norway where he became very involved with the Norwegian and English Underground. In 1944 their first child, a daughter, was born and in 1947, after the war, Arne accepted a call from Kristus Kirken in Odense, Denmark to become their pastor so he moved his family to Denmark. Their second child, a son was born there in 1949. In 1953 he again moved his family to Bornholm, a small island belonging to Denmark where he served as pastor for several Baptist Churches until 1956 when he moved his family to the United States.

In 1957 Arne attended Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL and received his Bachelor of Theology degree. In 1959, he accepted a call from a newly formed Baptist Church in Whitewater, WI where he served for five years. Over the years, Arne served as pastor in many churches throughout the US and became very involved with the American Baptist Association. He retired from the ministry around the age of 75 but never retired from being a blessing to others.

Arne was preceded in death by all his brothers and sisters, by his son, Arne Waldemar Jr., his wife, Rachel and his great-granddaughter, Elena Thornton.

He is survived by his daughter, Annie (Bill) Lundy, grandson Daniel (Sheryl) Thornton and great-grandson Daniel Thornton Jr., grandson David Thornton, granddaughter, Tricia Wilson and grandchildren, Amanda and Daerek (TX), granddaughter, Brittney and great-great-granddaughter, Kristina, as well as step-grandchildren, Amanda and Ryan Lundy, Joyce McCrossen and great-grandson Nick McCrossen.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Arne’s life will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2010 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home in Westfield. A private family memorial service will be held. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery, Township of Westfield. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Harris Villa, N6581 Villa Parkway, Westfield, Wisconsin 53964 in memory of Arne.