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Peder Arneson Obituary

Peder Grimstad Arneson

STILLWATER, MN - Peder Grimstad Arneson age 74 of La Crosse, WI, most recently of Stillwater, MN spent his last moments on December 15th, 2023 enjoying Bob Dylan's "Ballad of a Thin Man" comfortably in bed at home with his loving family listening by his side.

Born to Jean and Philip Arneson, Peder spent his childhood in La Crosse, WI where he attended Central High School going on to Gustavus Adolphus College, his education interrupted by his service in the Navy on the U.S.S. White Plains during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Peder then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound Law School in Tacoma, WA which he turned into a successful career as a trial lawyer, practicing for nearly 40 years advocating equally for his clients and the justice system.

Anybody who met him knew him instantly as he never hid behind pretense. He'd just as readily help a stranger jump their car while probing them for their life story as he would remedy their incorrect usage of "me" vs "I" in a sentence - his penchant for "helping" with grammar was something with which his family became all too familiar. While he certainly had a "bark," it was clear there was no "bite" and he was, in the end, a big ol' softie... a trait illustrated by his immense love for being "Papa Peder" to his two grandchildren, Alina and Bodin who quickly climbed his list of favorites, in no small part because they took on - and excelled at - downhill skiing, one of Peder's treasured lifelong hobbies.

But no one could usurp Lily, the love of his life, with whom he recently celebrated 49 years of marriage. From the moment they met they were "stuck" together for life. Man did he love her.

It was clear he reveled in being a father, exhibited by his dedication to his sons Aric and Latham's soccer games, ski racing, band concerts, squiring them across the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, engaging with them in lively debates at the dinner table and preparing them for a harsh world by forcing them to haul mounds of bark back and forth and back and forth.

Like many, he faced a number of health challenges over the course of his life, including possibly his hardest obstacle, addiction. He was immensely proud of his recovery and he sought to help others battling the disease through one-on-one encounters and community engagement via his work with the Coulee Recovery Center. His advocacy interests spread across needs as he also spent time as the President of the Board of the La Crosse area Planned Parenthood, helping advance women's reproductive rights. Though not formal, he would champion the women and men of the VA Hospitals by telling anyone that would listen how well he was treated in their care.

Peder would call foul if we didn't mention his treasured "La Pine" cabin in LaFarge, WI. It was a passion project that he and Lily spent a good chunk of their retirement curating into the perfect family gathering place and jump-off point for the Larryfest bluegrass music festival he adored.

And finally, to all those reading, Peder asks that you prepare a report on the above and deliver it to his desk by 5pm. Thank you.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Philip as well as sister, Christine. Peder is survived by his wife Lily; sons: Aric (Nicole) and Latham (Chesare); grandchildren: Alina and Bodin; siblings: Andrew (Becky), Philip, Trygve (Mary), and Amy (Kenneth) Luckeroth; and countless friends.

An expected spring service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred by donating to the Coulee Recovery Center.

https://www.couleerecovery.org/donate


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Crosse Tribune on Jan. 6, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Peder Arneson

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Colleen LeBlanc

August 31, 2024

I just learned of Peder´s death last night. I am south in the winter and missed it. I knew Peder professionally. Having met quite a few attorneys through my job, Peder was one of the `good guys´...out to help the client but not necessarily trying to undercut me if we shared a case. He was a pleasant and smart guy who I´d say was someone I´d want on my side if I needed an attorney. I am so sorry his family lost him so young. I never knew his backstory until I read this exquisite obituary. My sympathies to his wife, children and the grandkids.

Tami Tooke

January 9, 2024

Lily, Aric and Latham
I am just so sad and so sorry for your loss of Peder.
I have only good memories of my days at State Road School...helping wonderful families like yours in those elementary years. I cherish my friendship with staff and families alike...I will be saying prayers for your family that you find strength to carry on. All my love...Tami Tooke

Marian Schiesser

January 8, 2024

Lil and Family,
I´m thinking of you and I´m sorry for your loss. May your memories help bring you peace.

Susan Houlihan

January 8, 2024

A wonderful obituary, Lil. He has certainly travelled on to new beginnings, but will never be forgotten for all he did for La Crosse.
Sending my deepest sympathy.

Carol Kratz

January 7, 2024

I met Peder through my friendship with his beloved Lil. And I smile at the honesty and straight-forwardness of Peder's obituary. Just what he would want. I served with him when he was president of of the board of our local reproductive health clinic - called Options, then Essential Health Clinic, now Planned Parenthood. His leadership was decisive and essential. I admire his overcoming some real health challenges, and commitment to family and our La Crosse community. Rest in peace, dear Peder.

Andrew Arneson

January 7, 2024

Love you Peder. I´ll see ya in the other side when it´s time for me to jump in with you.
Andy

Tamara Porter

January 7, 2024

Dear Lily and Family,
My most sincere sympathy goes out to you now and as time goes on.
Peder was a most amazing person, I always knew when I had an encounter with him, I would leave either laughing or bemused. He made one think. He and Lily were wonderful, positive presences in my son and daughter lives. A highlight of my son´s summers was being invited on a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with Peder rounding up a group of Latham´s friends and giving them a lifetime of memories.
Tammi Porter (Mick and Leah´s mum)

Mary Rue Norman

January 6, 2024

Lily & family
I am so very sorry for the loss of Peter. I remember when you two met & always thought you made a great couple! My thoughts & prayers are with you
Mary Rue Norman ( Julie´s sister)

David Schoonover

January 6, 2024

He was such a good guy and very helpful to me when I needed it most. For that I will be forever grateful. I will miss him. Peace to all of you.

Karen Hansen

January 6, 2024

Lily and boys, I send my deepest sympathy to you. May the memories of the good times help to fill the hole in the patchwork of your lives. Sincerely, Karen Hansen

Diana Libke

January 6, 2024

I'm one of those Peder helped in court. He was kind and gentle as he stood behind me during many trips to family court to try and get child support. He was a good man.

Kirsten Scheller

January 6, 2024

I was in charge of a little surprise birthday celebration for Peder's wife Lil. I called him one day to ask if he had a few pictures to share. The next day I got a knock on my door and there stood Peder with an arm load of photo albums full of pictures. Then Peder proceeded to share the pictures along with stories. He was so excited to talk about his wife. He was so proud of her. Yes, that was the day I learned how much he was in love with his Lily!

Linda Marshall

January 6, 2024

Lil and Family, you have my deepest sympathies for the passing of Peder. Your beautiful tribute is a testament to the good man Peder has been...he will be missed. Wishing you comfort and strength during these sad and hard times, and wonderful memories to keep in your heart. Thinking of you.

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