Arnie Koktavy, age 82

Arnie Koktavy, age 82, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the Villages of Lonsdale surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Service will be held at the White Funeral Home in Lonsdale (507-744- 2368) on Sunday, March 26, 2017, at 10:30 a.m.; visitation will be held one hour prior to Service. Private burial to follow at a later date.

Ernest (Arnie) Joseph Koktavy was born March 8, 1935, near Lonsdale, the son of James and Elizabeth (Malecha) Koktavy. On November 9, 1957, Arnie married Joyce Ardolf at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna. For 18 years Arnie owned and operated a milk route, first hauling canned milk and later bulk milk as he continued farming the family farm outside of Lakeville. Arnie went to work for Bachman’s Nursery Wholesale Center in Farmington where he retired after 38 years. In 1978 Arnie and Joyce purchased a farm north of Faribault where Arnie continued his passion of farming, raising and caring for pheasants, peacocks, and Canadian geese. In the fall of 2014, Arnie and Joyce retired from farming and moved to their home in Lonsdale.

Arnie Koktavy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; five children, Elaine (Justin) Webber of Lakeville, Evonne (Steve Knish) Tuma of Webster, Ernest (Sharon) of Lonsdale, Edward (Marcia Stadler) of Lonsdale, and Eileen (Mark) Kline of Lonsdale; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister- in-law, Viola Koktavy of Lakeville and many nieces and nephews. Arnie was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lillian Brenden and her husband, Wally; brothers, James and his wife Mary, Frank and his wife Nellie, Ludwig, John, and Charles and his wife Donna.

Online condolences at: whitefuneralhomes.com