Arlen O. Jackson

Arlen O. Jackson, age 85, of Hoople passed away peacefully in his home February 20, 2025. He was surrounded in love and cared for by his family.

Arlen Ordean Jackson was born on August 30, 1939 in Drayton, ND to Henry and Minnie (Johnson) Jackson. He was baptized and confirmed at Park Center Lutheran Church, graduated from Hoople in 1957, attended NDSCS, Aakers Business College, and NDSU.

He served on the church board, the Park River Bible Camp board, Luther League advisor, an EMT, and also a proud member of the ND National Guard.

As Arlen would say, life changed when he noticed a special girl at school named Ann Elaine Bergman. Arlen and Ann were married on June 18, 1961 and had two children; Julie and Bob. He didn’t realize it then, but this girl would be the one who would hold his hand and heart throughout life’s ups and downs and would one day walk him home to Jesus as she held his hand and prayed. A love story that we all yearn for, a mutual devotion to each other. They had been married 63 years. Arlen spent his entire life on the family farm. As a young man, he found endless joy in the outdoors. He was a passionate fisherman, hunter, and skier. Later in life, he treasured family trips and time at the lake. Arlen was a man with a kind heart. A man of great faith and a humble servant who stood firmly on the foundation of love of God, family and country. We have been deeply honored to call him a dear husband, loving dad, and cherished Papa. Our lives are so much better because of the love he gave and the example he set. This is his lasting legacy.

Surviving Arlen is his loving wife of almost 64 years Ann Elaine, daughter Julie Jackson Stearns (John), son Bob Jackson (Brandi). Grandchildren; Zach Cormican (Lexie), Hailey Hurt (Zach), Annika Stearns (Sayler Jenson), and Tyler Jackson. Great-grandsons Graham, Tate and Briggs Cormican. Sisters; Glenna Gibbons and Marilyn Linnett, in-laws Carol and Doug Lund, Betty Jo Fagerholt, several special nieces and nephews. Arlen was preceded in death by Minnie and Henry Jackson, Fred and Bernice Bergman, David Wefald, Lawrence Linnett, Beverly and Dale Romuld, Jay Fagerholt, John Fagerholt, and Gary Gibbons.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Arlen Jackson will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2025 at 10:30 am at Bethel Free Lutheran Church in Grafton, ND. Visitation will be at 9:30-10:30am preceding the service. Military Rites will be provided by the Hoople American Legion Post #240 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.  Interment will be at the Hoople City Cemetery, in the spring.  The funeral will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.  Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or to Hospice of the Red River Valley (HRRV) 3800 56th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104.