Arnold "Arnie" E. Follstad

Arnold “Arnie” Einar Follstad Jr., 94, of Red Wing, died Friday, August 25, 2023 at home, surrounded by his family.  He was born April 10, 1929, in Antigo, Wisconsin, to Arnold Einar, Sr. and Elizabeth Lenora (Brauer) Follstad. Arnie graduated from West Division High School in 1947 and from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1951 with a degree in Agriculture.   He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and served in Korea until he was honorably discharged in 1954.  In 1959, he married Barb and together they had 5 children. Arnie attended the University of MN and graduated in 1960 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He worked as a dedicated veterinarian for 34 years. Beginning his practice in 1960, he owned and operated a clinic in Ellendale, MN.  In 1968, he went into a partnership at Hiawatha Valley Veterinary Clinic in Lake City, Red Wing, and Goodhue where he worked until 1994.   After, he continued working for the USDA in Faribault from 2004 until his retirement in 2009. Arnie was united in marriage to Jeanne Wilkens on May 17, 1986 in Lake City, MN and together they shared 37 wonderful years of marriage.  He was a member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association and First Lutheran Church.  He enjoyed attending vet conventions and reunions, hiking, fishing, hunting, road trips, traveling, family events, being with friends and singing in the choir.

Arnie is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Kristin Pichelman, Karin Ryan, Eric (Sarah) Follstad, Carl Follstad, Greta (Bill) Kirtz, Jamie (Dawn) Follstad and Jen (Grant) Follstad-Popp; his sister, Elizabeth Browzoski; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and 2 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Pastor Kristen Schladerhauff and Pastor Mike Zaske presiding. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are preferred to the Red Wing Hope Coalition Fund in memory of Arnie.