Arnie Entzel

Arnie Entzel, age 87, of Minneapolis, MN, formerly of Mandan, passed away March 14, 2025, under hospice care in Edina, MN. He left this earthly plane and went to that big union hall in the sky. He had endured enough and was ready to go.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan. A Celebration of Life service was held in Anoka, MN on April 5, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial took place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN, where Arnie’s son, Clint, was laid to rest in 1979. A portion of Arnie’s cremains will also be spread on “Seashell Hill” on the Entzel Family Homestead north of Mandan.

Arnie was born October 16, 1937, in Dunn Center, ND, the third of eight children to Henry and Mathilda (Sommer) Entzel. In 1946, the family moved to Mandan where they farmed and ranched along the Missouri River north of Mandan. Arnie attended a one room country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Mandan High School in 1957. He won the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves boxing title in high school. He was also a handsome cowboy in his hat, boots, and western wear as he herded and branded cattle and gentled horses to be ridden. Following graduation, Arnie joined the US Army and became an army paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, the “Screaming Eagles,” serving from 1957-1960, making more than 50 jumps. Returning home, he married Florence Schmidt of Bismarck. Arnie served as a police officer for the Mandan Police Department. In 1962, the family moved to Minneapolis where they raised their 5 children and were later divorced. Arnie drove bus for Twin City Transit Lines and served on the Union Executive Board. In 1975, he was elected and re-elected President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005, serving for the next 21 years. He was always a tough but fair negotiator and was a visionary for light rail service in Minneapolis and worked hard to see it to fruition. Arnie also served on the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council and was a Vice President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. After 34 years, he retired.

In 1974, Arnie met Janet Clark during her reluctant campaign for the MN House of Representatives. Arnie supported Jan’s opponent but against all odds, Jan won! Over the next five years they didn’t speak more than a brief hello in passing until December 1979. Supporting a common legislative bill, the two were “forced” into working together. Arnie’s jeans, belt buckle, and cowboy boots caught Jan’s eye. After several spirited meetings they went on to get that bill passed and Arnie was able to convince Jan to go on a date with him. They went from a working relationship to a friendship, and found that besides politics they shared many other interests including their Creator, nature, the West, Native American artwork, music, boxing, and football. Eleven years after meeting, the two were married in August 1985, and their two families merged nicely and their passionate debates and continued support of each other never wavered. In their retirement, Arnie and Jan enjoyed travel including many long-distance trips on their motorcycles. They also remained politically active. Arnie became active in the Golden Gloves and USA amateur boxing and volunteered as a judge and referee. Coaching amateur boxers was what he loved most. He judged National Golden Glove tournaments and was appointed by the governor to serve on the Minnesota State Boxing Commission.

Arnie always enjoyed bringing his children and grandchildren back to the family farm in Mandan where he shared his love of riding horse and taught them to work cattle and fix fence. Arnie and Jan looked forward to spending the 4th of July in Mandan for many years. His nieces and nephews fondly remember the visits from the silver haired cowboy with the feather band on his cowboy hat who had the firmest handshake and playful boxing jabs. He was also a great dancer, his nieces enjoyed a Waltz or Polka around the dance floor with him at weddings and events. 

Arnie was a devoted husband and father. He loved being “Pompa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who were near and dear to him.

Blessed to have shared in his life is his beloved wife and soul mate of 39 years, Janet Entzel; daughters, Cynthia Entzel, Tracy Entzel, and Nicola Kapala (Steven); stepdaughter, Amy Clark; 6 grandchildren, Clint (Stephanie) Entzel, Dominic and Aaron Almedina, Veronica Surko (Jack Garcia), Mya Burks, and Megan Hamann; 3 great grandchildren, Audrey Garcia, Myella Burks, and Gwendolyn Entzel; son-in-law, Dan (Melinda) Hamann; siblings, Marjean (Ed) Hill, Larry (Kathy) Entzel, Don Entzel, and Fern Rothfusz; Jan's sister, Nancy Schafer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents; son, Clint Entzel; daughter, Margaret Hamann; sisters, infant Evelyn and Lorene Rothfusz; brother, Alfred Entzel; stepdaughter, Jenni Clark; sister-in-law, Valeri Entzel; and brother-in-law, Oscar Rothfusz.

Rest easy cowboy. “Adios” to the man who was never a myth and will always be a legend!

A sincere and special thank you to Tracy, Cynthia, and Amy for their care, support, assistance, and visits through all of Arnie’s health struggles. Also to our Park Shore Independent Senior Living Community staff and friends for all of your support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to N.C. Little Memorial Hospice, 7019 Lynmar Lane, Edina, MN, 55435, or a charity of your choice.