Arnold "Arnie" Lewis Cox Sr.

Arnold “Arnie” Lewis Cox Sr, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in rural Pelican Rapids, “His Heaven on Earth” with his family by his side, on February 18, 2023.  Arnie was born on February 17, 1932 to Lloyd & Constance Cox.  Arnie grew up on a farm in rural Anoka.  He graduated from Anoka High School in 1950 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota to study Agriculture & Business.  While in College he was drafted into the Army.  He completed college prior to serving. Arnie wrestled in High School, College & the Service.  He wrestled all over the country for the Army, such as the Sands in Las Vegas and the Coliseum in Miami.  Arnie worked for Clark Oil in St Paul where he met the “Love of his Life” Winnifred Harkness.

Arnie and Winnie were united in marriage on October 22, 1955.  They lived the early years of their marriage in North St Paul where they started their family.  Arnie worked for Clark Oil for over twenty years until they moved to Anoka and started his own business in downtown Anoka where three of his children were fortunate to work with him. 

Arnie was a very kind and compassionate man.  He was a people person and always wore a big smile.  He was also quite a character.  He was very active in the community; he was Chairman of the Board of the City of Ramsey, the 1^st Mayor of Ramsey (two terms) and on the city council. 

In 1988, Arnie retired, left Anoka and he and Winnie moved to Missouri.  However, they missed their family and moved back to MN. Arnie built their current home on their 360 acres, in rural Pelican Rapids, MN, where they lived the summer months & wintered for the next 30 years in the warmer states mostly Missouri. 

Arnie loved family, farming, fishing, hunting, trapping; anything to do in the outdoors.  He loved teaching the grandchildren about nature and always made children feel important.  Arnie loved to go to auctions; mostly to socialize.  When Arnie and Winnie were younger, they loved camping, boating and waterskiing.  He loved listening to Winnie play the piano and he never missed a day without telling his wife she was the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on!

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Winnie Cox, five children Pamela (Harvey) Elliott, Penelope Anderson, Arnie Jr. (Denise) Cox, Paula Holm, Polly (Gregg) Fahrendorff.  Grandchildren, Phillip (Joe) Goldstein, Paul Spindler, Mark (Cheryl) Welcome, Crystal (Matt) Grabau, Priscilla (Keith) Koehler, Cassandra (Robert) Taylor, Samantha Cox, Caleb (Rika) Holm, Chandler (Brittyn) Holm, Presley Fahrendorff, April Fahrendorff, Evan Fahrendorff. And 19 Great Grandchildren.  Brother Elton Cox.

He preceded in death by his Grandson Christopher Holm, Parents Lloyd & Constance Cox, Sisters Eileen Flugum & Helen Garrett and Son-in-Law Norm Holm.

Memorials preferred to Shriners Hospital for Children.

A special thank you to all the health care workers who cared for Arnie.

“Keep the Powder Dry”