Arlin H. Pfingsten, age 72, of Boyden, Iowa passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Sanford Sioux Falls Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
His service will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Boyden-Hull Elementary School in Boyden, Iowa. Burial will be in the Sheridan Township Cemetery in Boyden, Iowa with Military Graveside Service by the: William Monster Post # 272 of the American Legion in Boyden, Iowa
Visitation with the family present will be Friday, October 25, 2013 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Boyden, Iowa
The Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Boyden, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.
Online memorial condolences may be sent to: vanderploegfunerals.com
Arlin Henry Pfingsten, age 72, of Boyden passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Sanford Sioux Falls Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born on August 8, 1941 the second child of Henry and Lenora (Miller) Pfingsten in Worthington, MN and grew up on a farm near Grove City, MN with his sister and three brothers. After graduating from Grove City High School in 1959, he attended the University of Minnesota and then joined the US Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and trained as a naval pilot. Arlin was selected to join the Naval Academy in Pensacola, FL. When his father was injured in a farm accident, Arlin was honorably discharged and he returned to Minnesota to help on the farm. He later joined the sales team for New Holland Farm Equipment Company in New Holland, PA. Through the course of his employment with New Holland, Arlin traveled the United States and Canada extensively.
On June 29, 1968 Arlin married Ruth Elaine Doorenbos at her parents’ farm near Boyden, IA. They first lived in Storm Lake and then Carroll, IA while Arlin continued to work for New Holland. In 1973, Arlin and Ruth began farming near Sanborn, IA and then moved to a farm closer to Boyden, IA. Later they moved to the Ruth’s childhood farm raising hogs, soybeans, and corn. Along with a tiling and seed business, Arlin and son, John, operated Pfingsten Custom Chopping.
At the tender age of 11, Arlin committed his life to the Saviour. He had a deep, unwavering faith and taught his children and grandchildren to love the Lord. He was a very loving and giving person and was always willing to help anyone in need. Building clocks and traveling were a few of his favorite past times. Arlin and Ruth took many vacations with family and friends, enjoying Alaskan and Panama cruises, several cross country train trips, winters in Texas, and fishing in Canada with his brothers. Arlin also taught his children to be civic and community minded, serving on several boards including the bank and coop boards.
Arlin is survived by his wife Ruth, his five children, Laura (Todd) Eicher of Monticello, WI; Sarah (Brian) Carter of St. Cloud, MN; John (Lindsey) Pfingsten of Boyden; Anne Phillips of Boyden; and Mary (Patrick) Henry of Missouri Valley, IA, and his nine grandchildren, Allison, Skylar, and Emma Eicher, Jonathan and Lauren Phillips, Landen and Baby Pfingsten, and Ryanna and Adalynn Henry. He is also survived by his sister Anita Weiland of Yankton, SD; and brothers Walter (Viriginia) Pfingsten of Willmar, MN; Robert (Carol) Pfingsten of Atwater, MN; and Alvin Pfingsten of Becker, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, a brother-in-law, Harold Weiland, and a sister-in-law, Shellea Pfingsten.
