John R. Arneson, 90, of Rapid City, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019 at home.

John was born May 23, 1929 in Howard, SD to the late Ralph and Flo Arneson.  John graduated from Clark High School in 1947 and Northern State College in 1951.  He married Joan Nordseth, also of Clark, in 1952.  John served our country as active duty Army from 1952 to 1954 followed by six years in the Army reserve.

He was an accomplished athlete in high school and college playing basketball, football, and running track.  He held many state sprinting records.  John continued his education by earning his MS and PhD in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 1968.  He was a psychology professor at Northern State College and SD School of Mines and Technology from where he retired in 1994.  Dr. Arneson was a favored professor by many of his students who wrote letters of appreciation for his talent as an educator.  He enjoyed playing golf, making golf clubs, listening to music, and spending time in his yard and with family.

John is survived by his wife, Joan, and three children:  Patti Arneson-Rea (Charlie) of Rapid City, Jack Arneson (Carrie) of Reedsburg, WI, and Pam Arneson (Rich Hegre) of Rapid City.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Lloyd (Pete) Arneson.

Funeral services will be held at the 1st Congregational United Church of Christ, 1200 Clark Street, Rapid City, with the Rev. Dr. Ted Huffman presiding on Monday, Sept. 30 at 11:00 am. Interment with military honors will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis at 2:00 pm.

A memorial will be established for the John Arneson Memorial SD Higher Education Scholarship.  Memorials can be sent to 4811 Steamboat Circle, Rapid City, SD  57702.