Arlen G. Restad

Arlen Gene Restad, 83, formerly of Detroit Lakes, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 19th. He was born to Clarence and Margaret (Munson) Restad in Hendrum, MN on March 1, 1933 and grew up on farms in Norman and Becker counties. He attended a rural one-room schoolhouse in Audubon and in 1950 graduated from Audubon High School.   After attending Detroit Lakes Business College he was employed in the propane and natural gas industry for 38 years managing offices in Crookston, Ortonville, Detroit Lakes, Rochester and Eagan, and eventually retiring in 1990 as the Vice President for Peoples Natural Gas in Minnesota. During those years he was a charter member and officer in a number of industry organizations including Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association, Minnesota Natural Gas Council, Mid-America Natural Gas Marketing Executives, and the Midwest Natural Gas Association.   After retirement Arlen served as a management consultant for several small natural gas utilities and also as a registered arbitrator for FINRA. His love of politics led him to work at the Minnesota State House of Representatives for the Sergeant-at-Arms from 2001-2013. He received special legislative recognition with a House resolution for dedicated service on his 80th birthday.   While living in Detroit Lakes, Arlen was very active in civic affairs: Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, DL Industrial Development Corp, Jaycees, DL Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge and school PTAs.   Arlen married his high school sweetheart, Arlene, in 1952 and they have enjoyed summers at their lake home in the DL area playing innumerable games of cards, cribbage and Yahtzee with dear friends and family.   Arlen is survived by his wife, Arlene (Johnson), children Jeff , Kathy Schuchard, John (Becky) and Paul (Carolyn), nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many other friends and family.   He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.