"I worked with Arnold at the Farmers Cooperative Elevator. I was feed department manager. One of the hardest working people I new. I know he will be missed and I am sorry for your loss. Wayne Norland"
In loving memory of
Arnold H. Dontje
August 10, 1928 - January 29, 2019
Arnold Herman Dontje was born August 10, 1928, in Gerled, IA, son of Herman and Jennie (Troff) Dontje. He grew up on a farm south of Ledyard and attended Ledyard High School. Following high school, he helped his parents farm the family farm near Rake.
Arnold was united in marriage to Velma Kardoes on February 1, 1949, in Buffalo Center. Together they farmed near Rake until 1966 and then moved to Buffalo Center. He worked for Buffalo Center Creamery, built new houses for Nordaas Homes, and worked for Farmers Co-op Elevator until his retirement.
Arnold enjoyed woodworking, watching basketball and football. He loved fishing, especially taking fishing trips with his sons, grandsons and brothers. Arnold was easy going and was never angry. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Arnold died Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. He was 90.
Arnold is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Velma Dontje of Buffalo Center; sons, Dennis (Melinda) Dontje of Mankato and Steven (Mary) Dontje of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Schmeling of Littleton, CO, Tricia McMillan of Plymouth, MN, Anna (Eric Robinson) Dontje of Duluth, MN, Jacob (Libby Polster) Dontje of Lake Crystal, MN, Eric (Hannah Alvar) Dontje of Duluth, MN and Brianna Dontje of Beaverton, OR; and great-grandchildren, Seth Dickinson, Alexa McMillan and Ava Dontje; sisters, Deloris Kettwick of Buffalo Center and Janice Van Der Zwaag of Hospers, IA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Jennie Dontje; son, Richie Dontje; and siblings, John Dontje, Donald Dontje and Martha Milsap.
Tributes
"Arnold I will miss u a lot . I remember the fishing trips up to Canada and Minnesota and yes the one trip to northern Minnesota where I earn my nickname LUCKY."
"Arnold & Velma Dontje have always been my second set of parents. You won?t find a more caring, hardworking family. Denny & Steve had excellent role models. Love them all. I loved Velma?s nickname she gave me (Irish) and I?m sure I had more chocolate covered cherries than Arnold, As you look down from heaven Arnold, please help show us the way. You might not be with us - but nothing can remove great memories! Michael Dudding"