Arnold Mangus Stene

Arnold "Arnie" Stene, 87, of Plains passed away Monday, December 29, 2014 at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born April 16, 1927 in Big Timber, MT to Magnus and Gurine Stene. He moved with his family in the 30s to Dunkirk & Shelby, MT. At age 10 he went to live with his Uncle Andrew and Aunt Anna Hoiland on their ranch in Big Timber. After leaving High School he went to work for the railroad in Laurel, and for a time at the mines in Neihart.

In 1947 he married Ruby Stratton in Missoula. To this marriage were born three children: Ron, Sonja and Maynard. Living in Shelby, MT , he raised his family driving taxi, working in service stations, for the railroad, trucking, and for Toole Co. Road Dept. He moved his family from Shelby to Kalispell where he worked for C&C Plywood. In 1968 he moved his family to Plains and operated Arnies Conoco until 1973. He worked for NAPA in Thompson Falls for awhile and then went to work for the Montana Highway Dept in 1977-87 and retired.

He enjoyed socializing, so he became an active member of the Plains Senior Center where he served in various positions. He loved Bingo and became the caller for Bingo at the center. At fair time you could always find Arnie at the Bingo booth.

He loved his family and enjoyed times with nieces and nephews, and especially his young grand- and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, and two sisters; son, Maynard, a niece and a nephew. He is survived by his sister, Vicky (Pat) Cleveland of CA; son Ron (Marg) Stene of Missoula; daughter, Sonja (Jim) Lentz of Kalispell; and daughter-in-law, Fawn (Bill) Bowles of Big Fork; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and many cousins in the U.S. and Norway.

Memorial services will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to Clark Fork Valley Hospital or the Cancer Network of Sanders County.

Service Information Memorial Service Saturday April 18, 2015 10:30 AM to 10:30 AM 604 S 5th Ave Plains, MT 59859