Arnold Leroy Mahlum

Arne passed away on December 17, 2009 in Denver, Colorado from complications from a stroke. He was born January 27, 1918 on a farm near New Effington, South Dakota. Arne is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor, the mother of his four children, Arnold Jr. (Maia), Marshall (Alice), Judy Hottovy, James (Jan); eight grandchildren Danielle Tissinger, Bric Mahlum, Mike Mahlum, RJ Hottovy, Stacey Mahlum, Andy Hottovy, Erik Mahlum, Patrick Hottovy; and one great grandchild, Matiez Mahlum. Arne graduated from Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In 1940, Arne joined the Army-Air Force, serving until the end of WWII. He married Eleanor on July 17, 1943. Following the war, they worked several years in the retail clothing business in Aberdeen and Mobridge, South Dakota. During these years, Arne was very active in athletics, especially in amateur baseball. He played and managed several teams that went to the State Amateur Baseball tournaments. He was inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994. Arne was also active in basketball, officiating in South Dakota. In 1963, Arne and Eleanor moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming where his initial job was to purchase real estate for the Air Force Minute Man Missile Program. He eventually became Recreational Director at Warren Air Force Base. He retired from this position in 1984, but continued to work as a real estate agent in Cheyenne for several years thereafter. Here again, Arne was active in basketball, officiating in Wyoming. Arne was an avid University of Wyoming Cowboy fan. The Mahlums held season tickets for football and basketball for many years, and Arne was a past president of the Cowboy Joe Quarterbacks' Club. A Burial Service is being held at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227 at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 22, 2009. Interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery. A Memorial Service is being held at the First United Methodist Church, 108 East 18th Street, in Cheyenne, Wyoming at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the University of Wyoming Athletic Program, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, or your favorite charity in Arne's name. Please share your memories of Arne and condolences with his family by selecting the ""sign guestbook"" button below.