Arlis L. Kinseth

Arlis L. Kinseth, 93, of Bode, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital.

He was born March 12, 1926 in Humboldt County, the son of Edwin and Vivian (Lear) Kinseth. He grew up in Bode and graduated from Bode High School in 1943. Arlis operated a refrigeration shop and then enlisted in the United States Army on December 23, 1943. He completed basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas and was assigned to the 14th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division as a water cooled machine gunner. He sailed for Europe in January 1945 and earned the Combat Infantry Badge during the European Campaign. He was discharged in May of 1946 and joined the Army Reserves. On October 23, 1950, he was called back to active duty, serving in the 23 Infantry, 2nd Division during the Korean War. Wounded twice, awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. Also awarded the Silver Star for bravery in action May 1951. Rotated home from Heartbreak Ridge in September 1951 and released from active duty on October 31, 1951. He was united in marriage to Laila M. Bratland on December 1, 1951. The couple made their home in Bode. He served as the postmaster in Bode from 1953 until retiring in 1981. Arlis joined the Bode Fire Department in 1949 and served as the fire chief for 60 years. He also served as the President of St, Olaf Lutheran Church, was a board member for the Bode Library and served as a Boy Scout leader for 17 years. In retirement he operated the Uff-Da Fix It Shop and had previously enjoyed skiing, camping and golf.

He is survived by his wife, Laila and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 7th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. and the Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday both at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode. Burial will be in St. Olaf Cemetery. www.masonlindhart.com