Arnie John Entzel

Sgt Arnie John Entzel
Born October 16, 1937, in Dunn Center, North Dakota, to Henry and Mathilda Entzel, the 3rd of 8 children. In 1946 the family moved to Mandan where they farmed and ranched on land along the Missouri River. Arnie was a handsome cowboy in his hat, boots and western wear as he herded and branded cattle and gentled horses to be ridden. Arnie attended a one room country school through the 8th grade. After high school graduation, he joined the military and became an army paratrooper with the 101st airborne division. He married Florence Schmidt and they were later divorced.
When his military service ended Arnie served as a police officer for the Mandan police department. In 1962 the family moved to Minneapolis where they raised their 5 children. Arnie drove a bus for Twin City Transit Lines and served on the union executive board. In 1975, he was elected and re-elected President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 for the next 21 years. Arnie served on the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council and was a Vice President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. After 34 years, he retired.
In 1985, he married Janet Clark. In their retirement, Arnie and Janet enjoyed travel including many long-distance trips on their motorcycles. They also remained politically active. Arnie became active in the Golden Gloves amateur boxing and volunteered as a judge, referee and coach. He was appointed by the governor to serve on the Minnesota State Boxing Commission.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Evelyn; brother Alfred; sister Lorene; son Clint; daughter Margaret; and stepdaughter, Jenni. He is survived by wife Janet; sisters Marjean Hill (Ed); Fern Rothfuse; brothers Larry Entzel (Kathy); Don Entzel; daughters Cynthia Entzel; Tracy Entzel; Nicola Kapala (Steven); stepdaughter Amy Clark; 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and Janet's sister Nancy Schafer.
Arnie was a devoted husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all who were near and dear to him.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church 1601 4th Ave So. Anoka Mn. 55303. Visitation one hour before 11:00 service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to N C Little Hospice, Edina, or charity of your choice preferred.