Arvin M. ’Swede’ Mandt

Arvin was born June 27, 1926 to Albert and Emma Thoveson Mandt in McIntosh, MN. He grew up and attended school in McIntosh and later graduated from Crookston A.C. He then farmed with his family until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950. He served with the Honor Guard in Pennsylvania and later as a Military Police Officer in Washington. After he completed his service he moved back to McIntosh where he continued farming. On May 31, 1953 he married Elaine Svalen. Together they made their home on a farm east of McIntosh before moving to Moorhead, in 1956. Swede then worked for various construction companies. In 1963 he began working for Rudy Leonard Construction and continued to work for him for 17 years. He then formed Mandt Construction and was self employed until retirement. In 1986 he moved to West McDonald Lake where he built his own home. Swede lived at the lake until moving into Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo in December of 2005, and then moved to Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead, in October of 2006. He was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years. He loved woodcarving and woodworking, gathering family genealogy and watching football on TV, but most of all spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.Arvin is survived by Elaine Mandt; children, Karen David Reierson of Moorhead, MN, Lynelle Martin Kukowski of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Sydney and Taylor Reierson and Denery, Grace and Isaac Kukowski; siblings, twin brother, Ervin Mandt of McIntosh, MN, Iris Lyle Eisert of Crookston, MN, Albert Ruth Mandt of McIntosh, MN; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sherman Mandt; sister, Mavis Koehler; and nephew, Todd Eisert.