Arnold Lawrence Block, age 73 of Stewartville, passed away peacefully at his home on November 22, 2013.

Arnie was born on May 4, 1940 in Alton, IA to Michael and Florence Block. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and high school in Ashton, IA. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1963. He attended Worthington Junior College and the University of South Dakota in Brookings, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1968. On August 21, 1965 he married Margaret "Midge" Roetzel in Adrian, MN. Arnie worked for IBM Rochester from 1968 to 1996. After retirement, he attained his Master Electrician's license. He worked for a time at Kuntz Electric. He later was the Maintenance Supervisor for Resurrection Catholic Church until 2011. Arnie was very active in his church. He was involved in Marriage Encounter, Pre-Marriage Prep, Prayer Group, RCIA, Serra Club, Teams of Our Lady, and a member on the board of directors at IHM Seminary. He was very involved with the Building and Grounds committee at Resurrection Catholic Church. Arnie could fix anything, and made it his goal to make projects as precise as possible. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to those in need.

He is survived by his wife Midge of 48 years, his children, Darren (Michelle) Block of Florence, TX, Nathan (Jeannine) Owen-Block of St. Cloud, MN, Jason (Heather) Block of Evanston, IL, Sarah (Rick) Vande Loo of Stewartville, MN; grandchildren Destiny, Devon, R.J., Justin, Jordan, Becca, Carmen, Charlie, Ben, Max, Edie, Flora, Zander, Sam, Alex, Noah; sisters Jeanie (Frank) Roetzel of Sartell, MN, Loretta Kohles of Yankton, SD; twin brother Irvin (Judy) Block of Ashton, IA, brothers Gerald Block of Sheldon, IA, and Howard (Sue) Block of Adel, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Marjorie Roder and Rosie Block, two brothers-in-law Albert Roder and Jim Kohles, and one sister-in-law Mary Jo Block.

The funeral Mass for Arnie will be held on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:30AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Stewartville, MN officiated by Rev. John P. Wilmot. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 24 ^th 2013 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home (Rochester) from 3:00PM to 6:00PM (with prayer service held at 3:00PM) and one hour prior to the funeral at St. Bernard. Burial will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Simpson, MN.

Memorials are preferred to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, MN or Glenmary Home Missioners of Cincinnati, OH.

Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.