Arne Gravem, 83, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Madison, Connecticut. Born on January 6, 1943, in Trondheim, Norway, Arne lived a life marked by resilience, craftsmanship, and quiet strength.
Arne began his professional journey as a Norwegian merchant mariner, a role that reflected both his adventurous Viking spirit and strong work ethic. In the 1960s, he immigrated to the United States of America and settled in Connecticut, where he would build not only a career but also a legacy. He worked as a machine tool builder at several prominent companies, including: Bridgeport Machines, U.S. Baird Machine Company, Producto Machine Company, and J.L. Lucas Machinery. His deep knowledge of machinery and precision engineering led him to founding his own company in 1977—Norse Machine Rebuilders, Inc.—which he owned and operated for an impressive 45 years.
A master scraper with unmatched skill in setting geometry on ultra-precision machine tools, Arne became nationally recognized as a premier rebuilder of the legendary Series 1 Bridgeport Mill. His dedication to excellence earned him respect across the industry and among peers who valued his expertise and integrity.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Arne was known for his athleticism and discipline. He had a lifelong passion for martial arts and bodybuilding, and was an enthusiast of high-performance automobiles. These interests reflected his commitment to personal growth and his appreciation for both physical strength and mechanical precision.
Arne raised his family in Trumbull, Connecticut—a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents: Oddmund Gravem and Birgitte Gravem; as well as, the late Torunn Ostvedt, mother of their children. He is lovingly remembered by his three children: Kathrine Baldwin (Philip A. Christensen Jr.), Heidi Ostvedt Strydom (Brent Strydom), and Erik Gravem. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Emma Birgitte Baldwin, Philip Arthur Baldwin, Sol Esperanza Sarnblom , Mathias Alexander Ostvedt Pellicer, Nicolas Gravem, Christopher Gravem, and Luisa Victoria Gravem.
Those who knew Arne will remember him as kind, humble, hardworking, accomplished—a true entrepreneur and athlete whose quiet determination left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Arne began his professional journey as a Norwegian merchant mariner, a role that reflected both his adventurous Viking spirit and strong work ethic. In the 1960s, he immigrated to the United States of America and settled in Connecticut, where he would build not only a career but also a legacy. He worked as a machine tool builder at several prominent companies, including: Bridgeport Machines, U.S. Baird Machine Company, Producto Machine Company, and J.L. Lucas Machinery. His deep knowledge of machinery and precision engineering led him to founding his own company in 1977—Norse Machine Rebuilders, Inc.—which he owned and operated for an impressive 45 years.
A master scraper with unmatched skill in setting geometry on ultra-precision machine tools, Arne became nationally recognized as a premier rebuilder of the legendary Series 1 Bridgeport Mill. His dedication to excellence earned him respect across the industry and among peers who valued his expertise and integrity.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Arne was known for his athleticism and discipline. He had a lifelong passion for martial arts and bodybuilding, and was an enthusiast of high-performance automobiles. These interests reflected his commitment to personal growth and his appreciation for both physical strength and mechanical precision.
Arne raised his family in Trumbull, Connecticut—a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents: Oddmund Gravem and Birgitte Gravem; as well as, the late Torunn Ostvedt, mother of their children. He is lovingly remembered by his three children: Kathrine Baldwin (Philip A. Christensen Jr.), Heidi Ostvedt Strydom (Brent Strydom), and Erik Gravem. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Emma Birgitte Baldwin, Philip Arthur Baldwin, Sol Esperanza Sarnblom , Mathias Alexander Ostvedt Pellicer, Nicolas Gravem, Christopher Gravem, and Luisa Victoria Gravem.
Those who knew Arne will remember him as kind, humble, hardworking, accomplished—a true entrepreneur and athlete whose quiet determination left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
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