Arthur G. VanRisseghem

Arthur G. Van Risseghem, 77 year old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at his home in Little Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30AM, Monday April 6, 2009 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, with Father Nicholas Landsberger officiating. Burial will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Friends may call from 4 - 8 PM Sunday April 5 and 10 - 11 AM Monday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Christian Mothers will pray the rosary at 4:30 PM and Parish Prayers will be prayed at 7PM Sunday. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Arthur George Van Risseghem was born October 17, 1931 in Onamia, Minnesota to his parents John and Mary (Gohl) Van Risseghem. Arthur grew up on a dairy and lumber farm where he worked until he was drafted for the Korean War. Arthur served in the US Army Scarwaf division Korea from February 1952 to May of 1953. He was discharged as a Corporal. He returned to Onamia where he joined his father and brother working with the family farm and lumber business. He met his wife Charlotte Ann Ernst the summer of 1954 in Onamia, Minnesota. They were married at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN on June 27, 1955. Arthur continued to work on the family farm and lumber business until December of 1958. They moved to Little Falls, and bought their home at 709 2nd St. N.E. Together they lived there fifty years, and raised nine children. Arthur worked with the State Highway Dept. and Larson Boat for a short time. He later worked for the City of Little Falls Street and Park Dept. He retired in 1983 after a serious illness which left him physically disabled. Arthur loved the Lord and worked for many years with various churches, promoting Ecumenicalism. He was a member of the Healing Light prayer group and past member of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship. Arthur loved to share his jokes with anyone who would lend an ear. He found joy in making people laugh. Arthur died April 1, 2009 at his home surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, sons; George (Cathy) of Little Falls, MN; Paul of Cincinnati, OH; Robert (Jeanne) of Cheyenne, WY; David (Debbie) of Tulsa, OK and John of Little Falls, MN. Daughters; Mary of Cottage Grove, MN; Nancy of North Bend, WA; Connie (Jeff) Massmann of Little Falls, MN; Colleen of Honolulu, HI; Brother Roger (Arlene) of Crystal, MN; Sisters, Illene Swiderski of Onamia, MN; Mary (Art) Bleacher of Denver, CO and Evelyn (Bill) Dibvik of Baxter, MN. Grandchildren: Chris (Sara), Brent (Angie), Gabrielle (Dave), Andrea (Justin), Rio, Peter (Cierra), Andrew, Martha (Artie), Luke (Katie), Paul, Maria, Philip, Bobbie (Tommi), Tony, Jonathan, Charlie, Amelia, April, Mathew, Jacob and 14 Great Grand Children. Arthur was proceeded in death by his parents, Grand parents, brother in law John Swiderski, daughter-in-law, Sharon Van Risseghem, grand children Emily Van Risseghem, Adam and Andrew Massmann.

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Arthur G. VanRisseghem

October 17, 1931 - April 1, 2009