George R. Arneson

GEORGE R. ARNESON 1914 2010 His parents hailed from Bergen, Norway, and his story begins as the great American dream of two people coming through Ellis Island to New York City. They met through mutual friends in America, and married. George and Sofie Arneson's only son was born in Brooklyn on September 3, 1914, and named George Ralph Arneson. The family moved to Port Arthur in 1916, where there was plenty of work at The Texas Company (later Texaco). George Arneson graduated from Port Arthur High School in 1932. After graduation, he told his mother he was going to look for work as our country recovered from the Great Depression. He caught a train in Port Arthur with some buddies, and hobo'ed his way to New York. The next year, they rode the rails to the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. Stories of his hobo adventures always delighted his children and grandchildren. Returning to Port Arthur, his sister, Florence, introduced him to her best friend, Marjorie Huber. They became friends, fell in love, and married on September 3, 1938 (his birthday). The Lutheran faith of his parents was bred into George Arneson as was a strong Norwegian work ethic. He went to work at Texaco as a young man in 1934, and worked his way through the ranks to retire as Foreman of the Recovery Department after 42 years of service. George and Marjorie raised their family in Groves, and after George's retirement, they moved to Cow Bayou to enjoy their golden years together. Backyard gatherings at their place were always popular events for the family. A farm in Buna also brought much pleasure as they cleared the land and put cattle on it. George had a great appreciation for the outdoors, and was an avid fisherman and hunter. George Arneson was predeceased by his beloved Marjorie, as well as his parents, and sisters Alice Creswell and Florence Gentis. Three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren remain. His three daughters are Barbara and her husband Curtis Keith of Lake City, Colorado; Eleanor and her husband Gene Roberts of Orange, Texas; and Andy and her husband Mike Marlatt of Houston. Grandchildren are Matthew Keith, Deborah Bippus, Tim Keith, Curtis Keith, Gene Roberts, Alan Roberts, and Elaine Roberts.