In loving memory of Arnold Richard Ervasti, 90, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

“Arnie” passed peacefully in the presence of loving family members on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at the JA Wedum Hospice in Brooklyn Park, MN. He was born May 24, 1924 in Annandale, Minnesota to Elmer J. and Lillian (Nivala) Ervasti. He was a longtime resident of Fridley, and more recently Coon Rapids, Minnesota. He was a veteran of WWII, serving as a parachutist and gliderman instructor, initially at Ft. Bragg, N.C., and later at Ft. Benning, GA. Sergeant Ervasti served in the HQ Company, Airborne School Regiment, and the Co 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division, at Ft. Benning. Accompanied by son Mark, Arnie was privileged to be part of an “Honor Flight” group of veterans in April, 2014 that visited the WWII National Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Arnie was an active third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Virgin Mary Council 4381 of Fridley, MN.

A devoted husband for 72 years, he is survived by his wife Deloris (Kelly). Loving father of Sherry (Don) May, Karon (Duane) Narog, Karol (John) Reinschmidt, Ronnie (Dan) Ceynowa, and Mark (Sue) Ervasti; cherished grandfather of Brian (Sara) May, John (Lisa) Reinschmidt, Erin (Peter) Probst, Dawn (Shane) Andresen, Scott Narog, Michael (Meghan) Ceynowa, Jason (Katy) Narog, Kelly (Anthony Cerminaro) Ceynowa, Bethany (Scott) Weingart, Kimberly (Aaron) Shidla, Kristine (Paul) Condon, and Katie Ervasti; beloved great-grandfather of Drew Reinschmidt, Megan Narog , Aly Reinschmidt, Julia Andresen, Anna Reinschmidt, Colin Weingart, Nathan Andresen, Nora Probst, Charles Probst, Liam Ceynowa, Vincent May, Ella Weingart, Kaden Narog, Daniel Weingart, Jacob Shidla, Kevin Ceynowa, Evan May, Rachel Probst, Lily Shidla, Kelly Ceynowa, Frances Narog , Ervin Condon, and Clio Cerminaro. He is preceded in death by his grandson Joseph Mark Ervasti, twin brother Harold, sister Doris (Kyander), brothers Stanley and Kenneth Ervasti, and his parents Elmer J. and Lillian (Nivala) Ervasti;

Arnie had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to dance and celebrated life. A calm, gentle and reasonable man, Arnie had an engaging personality and was quick to smile. Arnie was positive, outgoing and saw the best in everyone. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He relished every family gathering – especially his 90th birthday celebration last year. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, bowling, shooting pool, playing cards and watching golf. His diverse work life included time as a streetcar motorman, entrepreneur, and manufacturer’s representative. He spent many years with PPG Industries and later, Sargent Lock Company.

Arnie will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. William Catholic Church (6120 5th St NE, Fridley) at 11:00 am, Friday, April 17, 2015. Visitation will begin at 9:30 as a Celebration of Life gathering. A Rosary will be conducted by the Knights of Columbus at approximately 10:30 am, prior to the Mass. Inurnment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to either the MN Vietnam Veterans/Honor Flight or to the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund.