Scott A Arneson
July 15, 1955 - April 25, 2026
Obituary
LIVESTREAM SERVICE:
Scott's Livestream Service will begin at 12 noon on Friday, May 8, 2026. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”
MCFARLAND - Scott Alan Arneson, of McFarland, Wis., passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 25, 2026, in Madison, following complications from open-heart surgery. He was surrounded by his loving family and his best friend.
Scott was born on July 15, 1955, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Donald and Patricia Arneson. He graduated from Minnehaha Academy in 1973 - where, at 15, he met the love of his life, Mary. They married in 1978 and spent 47 years building a life filled with devotion, laughter, faith, and unwavering love.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration from St. Cloud State University in 1980, then devoted more than 40 years to serving as a nursing home administrator - a career that reflected his deep commitment to caring for others.
Scott and Mary welcomed their first daughter, Katie, in 1982, and soon after relocated to Wisconsin, settling in McFarland in 1987, where their second daughter, Jennifer, was born that May. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. To his grandchildren, Charley and James, he was “Papa” - a role he cherished with his whole heart.
Scott loved the outdoors and found deep joy in God’s creation. He was equally at home on a ski slope with his long-time friend, John (JaNelle) Stransky, on the lake, or near the ocean in St. Pete Beach, Fla. - and just as happy strumming his guitar, riding his motorcycle, or hiking somewhere beautiful with the people he loved.
Anyone who knew Scott knew his humor was one of his greatest gifts. He was the funniest man in the room - magnetic, quick-witted, and somehow able to make even ordinary moments unforgettable. His laughter was contagious, his warmth immediate, and his presence something people felt long after he’d left.
Above all, Scott lived with an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His family takes comfort knowing he was welcomed into heaven with the celebration, music, and open arms his life so perfectly reflected. Though his absence leaves an ache that words cannot fully reach, his family rejoices in the promise that he is whole, free, and home.
Scott was preceded in death by his father, Donald; his mother, Patricia; his brother, Mark; and his sister, Peggy Riley.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his daughters, Katie (Michael) Glass and Jennifer Arneson (Chadd Liegel); his grandchildren, Charley and James Glass; his brother, Tom (Lisa) Arneson; his best friend of 55 years, Bryan (Joan) Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at Scott’s church home of nearly 40 years, DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Friday, May 8, 2026, with the Rev. Cal Steiner presiding, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
Scott will be deeply missed - but his faith, his humor, and his love will live on in every story told, every laugh remembered, and every life he touched.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420