Matt Benjamin Arnes, 74, of Barronett died Friday, August 9, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center-Marshfield.

He was born October 29, 1949, in Cumberland, WI to Ercyle and Joyce (Wallace) Arnes, and graduated from Shell Lake High School. He was married in Barronett Lutheran Church on May 4, 1968 to Rita Owen. Matt served with the US Navy during Vietnam, spending most of his time on the USS Forrestal as a flight deck Sergeant. Upon his discharge, Matt worked for the Northwest Railroad for 12 years before building his own dairy farm. He milked 30 head of cattle until 2009, and in 2006, he began the conversion to beef cattle, which he continued to this day. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting and running his sawmill and wood processing business.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rita; 5 children: Eric (Jenny) Arnes of Barronett, Krista (Shane) Petit of Winter, Johannah (Damon) Craine of Cumberland, Leif Arnes of Barronett, and Mathias "Jake" Arnes of Barronett; grandchildren: Bryce (Melissa), Brandon, Connor and McKensie Arnes; Mitchell (Christina), Mike and Megan Martinson; Wyatt and Cole Petit; Kyle, Mason, and Garrett Craine and Sophia Braden; great-grandchildren: JJ, Abigail, Aiden, and Ryan; his sister, Nancy (Gene) Dahlgren of St. Paul, MN; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Matt was preceded in death by his parents and his six-year-old sister, Katie.

A brief prayer service followed by full military honors will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Barronett Civic Center with Mike Forster officiating. A celebration of Matt's life will continue after the service until 5:00 PM.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Aug 14, 2024 9:34 am CDT