Arnold Koffler

Funeral Mass for Arnold Koffler, 86, of Dickinson will be held at 10:00 a.m. MT, Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Fr. Keith Streifel celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Visitation for Arnold will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. MT., Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a rosary and vigil being held at 6:00 p.m. MT. 

Arnold G. Koffler found rest on Friday, July 26, 2024. 

Arnold was born May 30, 1938 in Dickinson, North Dakota. The son of Anna (Frenzel) and George Koffler, he grew up on the family farm southeast of Dickinson. As a young adult, he farmed with his father, and in the off season, he worked at his uncle’s (Clemence Frenzel) shoe repair shop in Dickinson. Those two jobs gave him interests and skills that he would use his entire life. On October 18, 1960, he married Margaret (Symionow). During their 64 year marriage, they bore and raised three boys, Monte, Marty and Glen, and rejoiced in their grandson Collin and great grandson, Canyon.

Arnold loved farming. He raised grains, dairy cattle, range cattle, and over the years, a large variety of other animals. There were the usual pigs, chickens, horses and ponies, cats and dogs, but, at different times over the years, he and Margaret also raised, rabbits (LOTS of rabbits!), guinea hens, a few ducks, geese, a few lambs, goats, and miniature horses. Arnold passed his love of animals on to his sons and grandson. 

Arnold also enjoyed many other interests. Out of necessity, a farmer becomes a jack of all trades. As a woodworker, Arnold repaired and refaced the cabinets of both his and Margaret’s farm home and, when they moved into town, the cabinets of his parent’s home. Working from plans published in a 1973 Popular Mechanics magazine, he built his own pool table. It remains in use to this day. The woodworking skills he learned, his love of animals and the sewing skills he learned at the shoe repair shop came together beautifully when he began building full-sized wagons and buggies. Over the 30 years of pursuing that hobby, Arnold built more than 14 buggies but he never got to actually ride in one of his own until he was offered a ride in a wagon that he sold to the Dickinson Press. For many years, Arnold was a drummer in several different polka bands and enjoyed old time and western music his entire life. He also enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting, and riding motorcycle. When he and Margaret moved into Dickinson, Arnold continued building buggies and became an avid senior league bowler.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Margaret Koffler; his sons, Monte Koffler of East Grand Forks, Minnesota and Glen (Stacey) Koffler of Dickinson; his grandson, Collin (Jade) Koffler; great-grandson, Canyon Koffler of Thompson Falls, Montana; and Nic Johnson (Daniel) and their daughter, Paisley Koffler, who, regardless of blood are in all the important ways a grandson and great-granddaughter in Arnie and Marge’s hearts.

His preceded in death by his parents, Anna and George Koffler; his son, Marty Koffler; his sister, Jeanette Meier; and his daughter-in-law, Erin Koffler.

In lieu of flowers, Arnold’s family suggests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.