Renee Arnold

To view a livestream of Renee's service access: https://bethanylutheranchurch58701.com/livestream/

Renee Arnold, 80, Sawyer, died Saturday, October 18, 2025, in her home.

Renee Ann Christensen was born on June 24, 1945 to Joseph and Eleatha (Keil) Christensen in Grand Forks, ND. She was raised and educated in Plentywood, MT. Renee wasn't afraid of work; in fact, she was known for her hard work ethic. She was employed at The Burger Shack, Dairy Lunch, Red Owl Grocery Store and the Ben Franklin store while going to high school. In 1963, she graduated from Plentywood High School.

Renee moved to Minot, ND in 1963 and attended Minot State University. While attending school she worked at the Parker Coffee Shop downtown Minot and the Ben Franklin store at Arrowhead Shopping Center.

In 1966, Renee met the love of her life, Rodney O. Arnold, on a Spring Band Tour. The only seat available on the whole bus was next to her. They spent hours conversating and enjoying each other's company. The following June of 1967, Rodney and Renee were married and moved to Sawyer where Rodney began his first teaching job as a music teacher for Sawyer Public School. Renee went to work for the Minot Credit Bureau for several years.

Renee and Rodney had two wonderful children, Shawn and Heidi. When the children went off to elementary school, Renee returned to Minot State University and graduated in May of 1982 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During the next few years, she did some substitute teaching for the surrounding schools. In 1985, Renee and Rodney purchased the old bank building on Main Street in Sawyer and remodeled it into a family restaurant known as Renee's Corner Café, which she owned and operated for 23 years. In 2008 she retired but continued to cook three meals a week for the local senior citizens. Renee had a heart of gold and a true passion for caring for others.

Renee enjoyed quilting and embroidering on anything she could get her hands on. She had a love for coffee, Pepsi, frosted sugar cookies and pecan sandies. But her greatest joy was her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and all her dear friends.

Renee is survived by her husband of 58 years Rodney of Sawyer; daughter Heidi (Jim) Fisher of Bismarck; brother Bill Christenson of Williston; sister Donna Krugman of Kansas City, MO; sisters-in-law Marjorie Arnold of Minot and Marge Christensen of Tempe, AZ; grandchildren Brett Morris of Minot, Abby (Tate) Delzer of Bismarck, Hanna Fisher of Bismarck, Logan Fisher of Abilene, TX; great-grandchildren Owen and Eli Delzer of Bismarck along with several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Renee was preceded in death by her son Shawn Arnold; parents Joseph and Eleatha Christensen; brother Alvin Christensen; father-in-law Oscar Arnold and mother-in-law Christel Arnold; brothers-in-law Merle Krugman and Donovan Arnold and sister-in-law Lola Christensen.

Celebration of the Life of Renee: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service or share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment: Sawyer Community Cemetery