Arnold Shores

Arnold E. Shores, age 97, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Sunday, April 12, 2009 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, MN.Arnold E. Shores was born in Pelican Rapids on February 14, 1912 the son of Wilbur and lna Shores. He was the first of five Children; Arnold, Erwin (Buster), Lois, Vernon (Brownie) and Betty. His Parents Wilbur and Ina Shores farmed in Scambler Township at the time he was born. Since Arnold was the first born, he started helping his folks with farm work at an early age. They rented and farmed a couple of different farms before moving to Cormorant Township in Becker County and purchasing a farm near the village of Cormorant.Arnold attended the Cormorant School and continued to help on the home farm until he had finished school. He worked for several years for various farmers after his schooling and continued to help and live on his folk's farm.In January 1935, Arnold signed up with the Civil Conservation Corps. He worked for them in Northern Minnesota, building roads, clearing trails and on numerous conservation projects. He rose through the ranks becoming a group leader of 36 to 40 men. He had spent the majority of his time working in Northern Minnesota where he enjoyed working in the evergreen forests. He left the Civil Conservation Corps. in April 1936.He always talked about how he would have enjoyed be a Forest Ranger, but the opportunity never presented itself.Arnold and Evelyn Anderson married May 2, 1936, after dating for approximately four years.The first home they lived in was adjacent to his folk's farm and it belonged to his grandmother (Mary Shores). In 1937 they moved to a farm on the north edge of Cormorant where they farmed until 1941. In 1941 they moved to the present family farm in Pelican Township east of Pelican Rapids. The farm was rented from Sara Wick for a short time before they purchased it.Many Improvements have been made to the farm and farm buildings over the years.Additional land was purchased and the dairy herd expanded. The dairy herd grew to be one of the top ten producers for the Pelican Rapids Creamery.Arnold and Evelyn were active in the East Side Farmers Club and the Pelican 4-H Club for many years. Arnold was very active in the Minnesota Farmers Union for many years serving on the Ottertail County Farmers Union Board. He served on the Pelican Rapids Creamery Board for over twenty years and served as chairman several years. He also served on the North Star Dairy Board and the AMPI Board.One year Arnold and Evelyn were awarded as Otter Tail County Farmers of the Year.Arnold and Evelyn were members of the First Congregational Church in Pelican Rapids and they were active in the church for many years.Arnold and Evelyn loved to travel. Some of their traveling highlights were trips to Norway to visit relatives on Evelyn's side of the family and a trip to Hawaii with friends. They owned a travel trailer and took many enjoyable trips around the United States. They enjoyed camping trips to numerous State Park Camp Grounds, National Parks and visits to out of area relatives. The camping trips brought relaxation to their busy lives. In later years Arnold enjoyed bus tours. His longest trip was a round trip bus trip to Alaska lasting twenty days. Arnold enjoyed his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely. His farm home has been the gathering place for many family gatherings on holidays, birthdays and other special occasions. In addition to the gatherings he gets a lot of special attention from immediate family members. Brian visited frequently, helps with various tasks around the farm and often furnishes Dairy Queen treats. Kay and Arden are also involved in taking care of projects in the house and around the farm. Arnold also enjoyed spending a lot of time on the decks at the lake homes of Kay & Dave and Arden & Irene at Pelican Lake during the summer months.Arnold is survived by his two sons: Arden (Irene) Shores, Grand Forks, ND, and Brian (Renee) Shores, Fergus Falls, MN; daughter, Kay (Dave) Larson, Pelican Lake, MN; 7 grandchildren: Jodie Storhaug, Terry Larson, Donna Graveline, Dale Shores, Tracy Williams, Pam Benhardson, and Lisa Miller; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty (Ken) Liukkonen, Seattle, WA; numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eveyln; sister, Lois Isaacson; brothers, Erwin and Vernon.Blessed Be The Memory Of Arnold Shores