Arthur "Art" Laudal

Arthur (Art) Laudal, 95 of Stephen Minnesota, passed away Thursday March 5, 2020. Up until the last week, with help from his family, Art lived independently at his home in Stephen.

Art Laudal was born August 18, 1924 in rural Stephen, the son of Torvall and Regina (Tisland) Laudal, where he attended Donnely Township School until the 8th grade. On December 31, 1948 in Pipestone, MN he married Alice Lucille Dufault of Argyle, MN. For a short time, they lived in St. Paul before moving to Stephen where he lived the remainder of his life.

Early on Art worked in the potato fields for Alfred Hvidsten but soon began working for Bill Clark Construction operating a dragline. Then in 1974 after Bill Clark passed away, Art bought the business which eventually became Art Laudal and Son. Art was very conscientious and became well known in the area for the high quality and timeliness of his work.

Although Art only had an 8th grade education, he was intelligent and creative. In fact, he liked to brag about being so smart he skipped a grade. He had the ability to solve fairly complex math problems relating to his work. Although he may not have used the same methods as a mathematician, he would consistently come up with the correct answer. He was interested in world events and read the newspaper every day.

In addition to his work, Art enjoyed using a metal turning lathe attempting to “invent” different things. In fact, when his legs began to falter and he needed a walker, the first thing he did was bring it to shop and but on brakes and wheels. Being in the shop also gave him the opportunity to boss his son around, which he enjoyed with great glee. Later in life, even though he needed a scooter to get around, he still would get in his pickup and drive around town, where he would often lead a parade of other vehicles as he would drive 5-10 mph. But he was so well liked everybody would watch out for him. Art’s other main hobbies were playing gin rummy with family and friends. He was very good and would rarely lose as he had a wonderful memory of the cards as they were being played. Also, he enjoyed watching old Western movies and TV shows. His real passion in life was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren all of whom he loved greatly.

In addition to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, left to mourn his passing are his five children Denny (Adele) Laudal of Grand Forks, Darrell (Linda) Laudal of Stephen, Jody (Jay) Field of West Fargo, Kim (Rick) Gajeski of rural Stephen, and Doyle (Donna) of Chippewa Falls, WI.

Art is preceded in death by his parents Torvall and Regina Laudal, his wife Alice Laudal, and his eight brothers and sisters, George, Rudy, Stanley, Thora, Borghild, Gladys, Ruth, and Helen.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Stephen, MN.

VISITATION: One hour before services at the church.

INTERMENT: Stephen Cemetery in Stephen, MN