Obituary of Dwight Victor Arrhenius

Dwight "Dewey" Victor Arrhenius, 76, passed away from injuries received in a car accident in Montana while on vacation. Dewey was born and raised in Benewah County and graduated from St. Maries High School. He was one of six children born to the late Al and Margaret (Laverdure) Arrhenius. He was the beloved husband of Bonnie and will be forever remembered as a devoted, loving husband. Dewey is survived by sisters Edna Maloy, Lyla Meagher, and Leona Derry; sister-in-law, Jan Nelson and brother-in-law, Howard Lytle. He is also survived by sons Dewey and Jim Arrhenius; step son Paul Larson and step daughter Jeri Larson Lewis; treasured grandchildren Dana Payne, Brett and Bree Arrhenius, and Dakota, Dalton, Davin and Dawson Lewis. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends that were blessed to know him. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Esper Brebner; brother Albert "Shorty" Arrhenius; and a cousin, Harry Peterson, who was more like his big brother. In 1954 Dewey entered the Armed Forces as an Army medic and spent time in Germany. After his military service he began a career with the U.S. Forest Service, his entire time spent on the St. Joe National Forest. His love of the outdoors made this job a perfect match. Dewey found a mentor in Harold Wadley. He enjoyed Harold's friendship over the years and trusted his judgment and prayful answers. Dewey was a life member of the St. Maries Elks, member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and local Kiwanis, and member of the St. Maries Community Presbyterian church. He also devoted many years working in the community garden with a great crew. Dewey and Bonnie spent ten years volunteering as Hosts at the Historical Lochsa Ranger Station. He loved talking to people from all over the world, telling them about the early days in the Forest Service. Dewey enjoyed visiting and telling stories with friends. He loved the outdoors and taking hunting trips with his sons and friends, when he was younger. In more recent years he spent time camping and fishing with friends and grandchildren. Bonnie will be left with many wonderful memories of their travels. Their last big trip was spent in England and Scotland and a week on a narrow boat called "Resting Easy," going down the Trent and Mercy Canal with good friends, Jim and Beverly McCuaig. A book could probably be written on this week, learning to maneuver the boat and going through all the locks. Dewey will be remembered for his laugh, stories and endless energy and was always ready to give a helping hand. There will be a celebration of life, announced at a later date Read Dwight Arrhenius's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.