Ruben N.A. Arwidson

Arwidson, Ruben Nils Arvid 92, of Edina, died February 24, 2014. He was born on September 24, 1921, in Fröbol, a farming community outside of Arvika in Värmland, Sweden. The oldest son of Jenny (née Nilsson) and Arvid Andersson, he grew up on a farm with four siblings. Ruben did his compulsory military service at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, where he served as a palace guard. He stood guard the night Princess Christina, sister to the current king, Carl XVI Gustav, was born, a duty for which he received gold cufflinks with the three crowns on them. He went on to own a sawmill before emigrating to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was here where he learned English and drafting (a skill he used later to design all of his building projects). It was also in Winnipeg where his wife, Sigbritt, and daughter Rigmor joined him after emigrating from Arvika and where daughter Carole was born. Later, the family emigrated to San Francisco, returned once again to Sweden, and eventually settled in Minneapolis, where the youngest daughter, Darlene, was born. A self-employed home builder and remodeler whose business name Swede Builder paid homage to his homeland and his craft, Ruben took great pride in the 11 homes he built around the Twin Cities-especially those built for his family. He worked quickly and alone, and used his MacGyver-like thinking to tackle any task, including hoisting entire walls up onto the framing or lifting bay windows into place on his own. Work and family were Ruben's two driving passions. He took great pride in the former, and nothing meant more to him than the latter. He lived a long, healthy, and complete life and has no doubt gone off to build a new home to fill with love, laughter, and family traditions. Ruben remained grateful to the end for all the love, companionship, and compassionate care he received from his family, the amazing caregivers on 4 Gamble at Walker Methodist, and the Park Nicollet Hospice Care team. His family is thankful for all the support and love so many have shown us all. Ruben is survived by Sigbritt and their three daughters, Rigmor (Gordon), Carole, and Darlene; in Sweden his sisters, Hjördis and Gunnel (Bengt), sister-in-law, Maja, and several nieces and nephews; and grandpets, Lola, Lena, and Freeman. A celebration of Ruben's life will be held on Friday, March 7, at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, just off Highway 100 at 50th Street. Visitation will be at 10:00, the service at 11:00, and lunch at 12:00. We love you more! God's love is the light that shines to lead our loved ones home. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

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Ruben N.A. Arwidson

February 24, 2014

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