Arden Franklin Kroehler

Arden Franklin Kroehler, born December 12, 1931, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at his lifelong farm home in Henderson, Minnesota. A devoted steward of his land, a man of deep faith, and the heart of a large and loving family, Arden lived all ninety-three of his years with purpose, humility, and quiet strength.

Arden was married for 38 years to his first wife, Joanne Moberg (d,). Together they raised three children - Lezlee (Mark) Sanders, Lisa (Daniel) Reiman, and Keven (Terry Haeussler (d.)) Kroehler - who blessed Arden with 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Later in life, Arden married Janet Schwirtz (d.), expanding his family even further with six adult stepchildren, 17 step-grandchildren, 33 step-great-grandchildren, and 11 step-great-great-grandchildren. Family was always at the center of Arden's world, and he cherished every gathering, celebration, and milestone.

A lifelong farmer, Arden witnessed and embraced extraordinary changes in agriculture - from horse-drawn equipment and bustling harvest work parties with cousins, to the rise of large-scale, GPS-guided machinery. His farm was not just his livelihood but a place where his love of hard work, big gardens, and family traditions took root and flourished.

Horses remained a lifelong passion. Arden grew up working with draft horses, enjoyed countless buggy rides, and proudly served with the Sibley County Sheriff's Posse. His ability to connect with people led him to a meaningful career in insurance sales, where he built relationships throughout the county and appreciated the balance it allowed between work and family.

Arden was active in his church as a youth group leader, choir member, and committed volunteer. His sense of civic duty began early, helping his father, Franklin, campaign for the Minnesota Senate and remaining engaged in Republican political activities for many years.

Service was woven throughout his life. He volunteered with the local Food Shelf, Meals on Wheels, Lions Club, and provided many rides long before such kindness had a name - earning him the family title of "pre-Uber Uber." He proudly served stateside in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and later continued his connection through the American Legion.

Arden treasured vacations with family, from "the Lake" to Yellowstone, Washington D.C., Phoenix, Niagara Falls, Moorhead, Superior, and more. He was a loyal supporter at his kids' and grandkids' high school sporting events and delighted in being part of their lives.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota's agricultural program in St. Paul, Arden valued learning and loved sharing stories. His keen wit and warm sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him. Even into his nineties, Arden lived independently on the farm he loved - a reflection of his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering spirit.

Arden's life was marked by dedication - to his family, his community, his work, and the Christian faith and conservative values that grounded him. He offered his hands freely, his advice thoughtfully, and his presence generously. His gentle wisdom, steady kindness, and quiet leadership will remain a lasting legacy.

He will be dearly missed and forever cherished by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to walk part of life's path with him.

A memorial service is planned for 11am on December 20th at St Paul's UCC in Henderson, MN.