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Arnold Griese Obituary
Arnold was born April 13, 1921, in Lakota, Iowa.
His great love of Alaska began in 1951 when he first came to Tanana with his family. He taught school in Tanana for five years.
He then moved back to the Lower 48 to obtain his doctorate at the University of Arizona.
Arnold and his family moved to Fairbanks where he taught at the University of Alaska. During his spare time he wrote four children's books with Alaska settings.
He also authored two college textbooks that were published in English, Spanish and German and wrote children's stories published in Highlights Magazine.
Across the years, starting with his time in Tanana, Arnold enjoyed flying and owned several aircraft. He was an Air Force lieutenant colonel liaison with the Civil Air Patrol unit, working with cadets.
One of his important interests was flying to Manley Hot Springs and sitting on the porch of his A-frame, enjoying the view, the weather and working on his writing and reading.
Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, after more than 55 years of a happy marriage.
He is survived by his son, Warren (Carole); granddaughters, Helen and Molly (Aaron) Gray; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Nicole, Ryan, Daphne; daughter, Cynthia (James) Dutkiewicz; grandchildren, Tacha (David) Schissell, Dusty (April) Dutkiewicz and Kathleen Blakely; great-grandsons, T.J. Schissell (LeAnn), Cole, Justin, Owen; and great-granddaughters, Corryn and Logan.
He also is survived by Carey (Matt) Atkinson and great-grandchildren, Miranda and Simon; and friend, Gail Noble, whose families have been loved for years by Arnold.
He was loved and will be missed by all.
Services will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2982 Davis Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709. The viewing will be at 5 p.m.
The Rev. Jonathan Walla will officiate, with the Rev. Joseph Baumgarten as liturgist.
The burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2013, at Birch Hill Cemetery, with full military honors.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Griese
Fred Minook
January 30, 2023
It has been 10 years since Arnold's passing. I still think a lot of him and the wonderful years I had when I was a child. I stop by and visit with Warren whenever I am passing through Fairbanks. Warren and I were best of friends. I am now at Heaven's Gate in age and I hope to see Arnold and Jane waiting for me. Thanks for the help in Fairbanks, Warren.
February 11, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Paul Haggland
February 9, 2013
Warren and family. So sorry to hear about your loss. Lots of fond memories of Arnold and family. God's Blessings to you all.
Shirley (Dick) Anderson
February 8, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Warren, Cynthia and their family's. I always remember him being a kind man. His favorite saying to our class was "icky, icky, icky and rub our heads. God Bless him.
Val & Red Scullion
February 6, 2013
Oh, condolences to us all! Arnold has been such an integral part of our family for so many years that his memories will stay with us forever. He is in nearly every family photo at picnics, birthdays, Christmas, Christenings....we've had so much fun with him over the years. He takes part of our hearts with him, and leaves part of his heart with us.
Robin Albin-Anacker
February 6, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God bless you.
Sue Marshal
February 6, 2013
Warren - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Eileen Wheeler-Kozevnikoff
February 6, 2013
Our condolences to the family. I will always remember him in school rubbing my head and saying "Icky, icky icky" and the dances that we held in the school basement.
February 6, 2013
To Cynthia and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Santanen Family
JB
February 6, 2013
May you find peace and comfort during this sad time...Psalms 25:16,17
February 5, 2013
Arnold you brought great closure to the death of my Great Uncle Hansen when you served as executor of his estate. You've shared so many families with us in Aurora Wisconsin, and your stories are being spread throughout the entire country. You will be dearly be missed by the Moore and Hansen Families.
Lynn Hines
February 5, 2013
Warren and family, So sad to see Arnold passed away. One of my favorite memories of him was when I was working out in the yard. He waved to me then disappeared. Pretty soon he came over and said..."I had to go ask my wife if it was okay I came over to tell you how pretty you are." Loved that guy! He was a great neighbor.
February 5, 2013
To Arnold; Warren and I will always be your scoundrels. I will miss you dearly because you always did the right thing. You helped form my character and molded me to seek answers. You and Jane were like family along with Warren and Cynthia. You will be missed by Dee and me. To Warren and Cynde; I love you two and no words can express my sadness at our loss but he is probably very happy right now.
Love, Fred and Dee Minook
Cy Hetherington
February 5, 2013
RIP.my old friend.Tom and I will miss our visits with you and Warren.You were a
dear friend for many years.
February 5, 2013
Our family loved Arnold, we were blessed to have had the pleasure to have known him. Our condolences to his family.
James and Becky Blankenship (San Antonio, TX)
February 5, 2013
We'll always remember Arnold and his lovely wife, from childhood visits to Manley Hot Springs and all the pleasant times we ran into each other later on. There are no words to say what I'd like to express. He was always a ray of sunshine. The Wyatt family sends their best regards to Arnold's family.
Dennis & Lori Learned
February 5, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, We knew Mr. Griese and spoke with him at church. I read some of his books and thought they were great. We will remember him with fondness.
Dave &.Mo Duncan
February 5, 2013
Enjoyed his company, a perfect neighbor in Manley. Our condolences to his loved ones.
Charles Ragins
February 5, 2013
Dear Warren, Cynde and family, My most sincere condolences for Arnold's passing. He was a dear friend and mentor to me and gave me the opportunity to learn more about the Athabaskan culture he adored through our collaboration on "Anna's Athabaskan Summer." His generosity and charm were infectious and I will always cherish our special friendship. So glad I will be able to attend his services and honor his life with you.
February 5, 2013
My prayer are with your family. Arnold use to teach here in Tanana and my Mother Josephine Roberts knew them very well. Mom is 92 yrs old. She sends her regards.
Becky Eddy
February 5, 2013
Warren and family, my blessings to all of you. He was a wonderful man and I will always remember him. He taught me in Sunday school and I always enjoyed visiting him throughout the years.
Valerie Demming
February 5, 2013
As I read Dr. Griese's obituary memories of attending his classes at UAF came flooding back to me. He taught from his heart, loved kids, and was always willing to share a story...His presence will remain for years to come...Valerie
February 5, 2013
Arnold was an amazing influence upon my life and the lives of my children...he has left a wonderful legacy and i am quite sure he is rejoicing with his beloved Jane...i will never forget you, Arnold.....
Connie Dale
Sabie Jervsjo
February 5, 2013
Sending condolences to the Griese family. we will miss him flying and driving into Manley.I will picture him driving his little Red Honda bike up to heaven to meet his wife.Sympathy from the Gurtler's and Jervsjo's
Jim & Karen Eddy
February 5, 2013
We will miss Arnold very much. We always enjoyed talking with him, and hearing his stories.
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