Obituary of Arnold Lerback

Arnold C. Lerbeck, age 86, Monroe, Michigan, took on his new life, April 20, 2009. Mr. Lerback was born June 4, 1922 in Spooner, Wisconsin. He was the son of Mina Olina Sponverg and Per Lerback. Arnold was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, and every so often would rattle of his birth given name of Arnold Conrad David Edward Fred Lerback, stating, "we all had to go by our 'given' name; my mother was strict about that!" One of his fondest childhood memories was fishing and deer hunting with his father. Arnold only attended Elementary school, but to those who knew him earned a degree from mentoring under him. He was an avid reader and loved to fix and work with anything mechanical. Arnold was a very witty man, and loved a joke. Mr. Lerback lived many years in the Milan and Ypsilanti area and most recently moved to the Norman Towers in Monroe, naming it his "Norwegian Castle". At the age of 19, Arnold left for war, (1941) serving 39 months during World War II in the countries of New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Biak & Samara in the Philippine Islands. He was discharged December 21, 1945. On May 26, 1956, Arnold married Virginia Irene Ellsworth in Angola, Indiana. Over the years Arnold worked on the farm, in construction and for Ford Motor Company (Rawsonville Plant) and retired after 20 years in 1984. He was preceded in death by his best friend and wife, Virginia, Mother and Father, sisters Heilda, Martina, and his brothers Haakon, Purnhard, Martin, Nor, and Paul and dear niece Mary Jane. He will be missed by his only surviving sister, Otelia Marbrath (Wisconsin), Nephews Bruce (Kansas), Norm, Dan, David, and niece Janet (Wisconsin), stepsons Bertrand (Vicky) Ellsworth of Florida, Eugene (Judy) and Larry Ellsworth of Michigan, as well as 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, Dot Ellsworth, Barbara Ellsworth, Gloria Copeland and caregiver, Norma Smith. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 22, 2009, from 2 - 8 P.M. at Merkle Funeral Home, Monroe, Michigan. The body will lie in state from Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 9:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at which time the celebration of Life will begin. Pastor Rick Massingill, Monroe St. Church of God will officiate. Intermit will a full military service will be held at Marble Park Cemetery in Milan, Michigan. Memorials can be made to Destiny Ministries, or Disabled American Vets.