He grew up in Barron, Wis., and lived all over the world while serving as a commander in the U.S. Navy. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

He became involved with the Millboro Ruritan Club and served two terms as its president. Accomplishments included building a nature trail complete with bridges for the Millboro Elementary School students and community use.

He was a supporter of Ducks Unlimited. He started the Virginia Highlands Wood Duck Club. The mission was to increase nesting success of Wood Ducks by building and erecting Wood Duck boxes around ponds and water-ways to monitor nesting success rates yearly. He was known to be called “The Wood Duck Guy.”

Arne had a lifetime interest in hunting, fishing, land conservation and vernal pools. He mentored young men (that he called his lads) and women with outdoor skills. He was an easy going fellow who never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation easily. He was a great listener and will be sadly missed by all his friends.

Arne is survived by his sister, Diana Peterson, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and his sweetheart of 20 years, Cindy Martin, of Union, W.Va.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited or to the Virginia Highlands Wood Duck Club. NG