Arlo Fish

Arlo Albert Fish, age 79, of Stockholm, SD, died on December 29, 2019.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020, 2:00 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Shore, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday. Pastor Ken Nelson will officiate, and burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in South Shore.

Arlo Albert Fish was born on November 18, 1940, in Milbank, SD. He was the son of James and Anna (Kaaz) Fish. Arlo grew up on a farm in Mazeppa Township. He was confirmed in 1954 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from South Shore High School in 1958.

At the age of 18, Arlo enlisted in the U.S. Army. Arlo completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was stationed at Fort Huachuca until he was deployed to Korea, where he was stationed until January 1961.

On July 24, 1959, Arlo was united in marriage with Dorothy Ann Klucas at Fort Huachuca, AZ. Together, they were blessed with 42 years of marriage and eight children: Guy, Karla, Dawn, Leon, Rhonda, Bruce, Joanne, and Sarah. Dorothy passed away on December 10, 2001.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Arlo bought a farm in rural Stockholm where he resided until his death. Arlo and Dorothy were dairy farmers and milked cows for over 40 years. After selling his milk cows, he continued to raise beef cattle until 2018. He enjoyed going to the sale barn to watch his cattle sell and eating at Stockman’s Café. He also raised goats and chickens and was an avid trapper. Arlo and Dorothy worked hard on the farm while raising their family. They also enjoyed visiting with neighbors and family, going to their children’s ball games, as well as, traveling to Hawaii several times. Arlo was always willing to help others and played a big part in tearing down the old town hall in South Shore in 1999. He was very interested in learning about his family history and enjoyed collecting coins. In later years, he started collecting large marbles, golf balls, ostrich eggs, and wood carvings.

After Dorothy died, Arlo took an interest in the Grant County Farm Show and started raising popcorn and Indian corn with his grandchildren to enter in the show. He also entered hay and eggs, and he always tried to win the award for most entries. He enjoyed growing squash and thoroughly enjoyed sharing squash and rhubarb from his garden. Arlo took great pride in all his grandchildren, spending time with them and going to their school activities whenever he could.

In 2007, Arlo was greatly blessed to have DeeDee Rufer enter his life. The two of them became almost inseparable and they enjoyed many adventures together. They loved going to antique stores and looking for unique things at Hobby Lobby. They also traveled on many bus tours together. Arlo loved eating breakfast and dinner at Rufer’s Store in Strandburg and visiting with everyone who came in.

Arlo was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in South Shore, and most recently a member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Shore, SD. He was also a member of American Legion Post #171.

Arlo is survived by Delores (DeeDee) Rufer of Strandburg, SD; his children: Guy (Melissa) Fish of Henry, SD; Karla Fish of South Shore, SD; Dawn (Kenny) Wiseman of Milbank, SD; Leon (Mary) Fish of Watertown, SD; Rhonda Schaefers of South Shore, SD; Bruce Fish of Watertown, SD; Joanne (Jim) Urban of Twin Brooks, SD; and Sarah (Matt) Whitney of Waverly, SD; brothers: Ethan (Ruth) Fish and Duane (Donna) Fish; sister, Vernita Karges Watkins; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents: James and Anna (Kaaz) Fish; brother and sister-in-law: Ivan and Signey Fish; brothers-in-law: Don Karges and Frank Watkins; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Alfred and Nomie (Nelson) Klucas.