Arnold “Arnie” Hemmingson of Spearfish, South Dakota, died on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Monument Health in Rapid City at the age of 73.
Arnold “Arnie” Hemmingson was born April 20, 1951, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the youngest of five children born to Hollis and Clara (Kurth) Hemmingson. He grew up and received his education in Kadoka, graduating in 1969. Arnie had a love for sports in high school, excelling in football and basketball. His junior year, his team made the State Tournament in basketball.
After high school, Arnie he moved to Lovington, New Mexico, to join his parents. After one year, Arnie enlisted in the US Navy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was stationed in Orlando, Florida before being admitted into the Nuclear Navy Program. He received his training in Bainbridge, Maryland and West Milton, New York. After his training, Arnie became an instructor in the program at West Milton, New York.
While in the Navy, Arnie met Susan Schultz with the help of his sister and her husband, who was Susan’s pastor. They were united in marriage on August 11, 1972, in Yale, South Dakota. They made their home in New York until Arnie was transferred to Pearl Harbor. In 1974, they moved to Vallejo, California where Arnie continued to work with submarines at the ship yard. They later moved to San Diego, where Arnie was honorably discharged on June 1, 1978.
After his discharge, they moved to South Dakota, where Arnie attended college at University of South Dakota. He earned his BS degree in Computer Science and a Master’s Degree in Business. After graduation, his first job was the Director of Computers at Yankton College where he also taught. Yankton College eventually closed their doors, and Arnie began working at USD for a time. In 1985, Arnie began his career at Black Hills State College as the Computer Center Director. He retired as the Chief Information Officer, on his birthday in 2007, the same day Susan retired.
They continued to make their home in Spearfish where they enjoyed supporting local charities. Arnie enjoyed woodworking and metal work, and helping people fix things.
Arnie was a member and past commander of the VFW Post #5860, and a member of the American Legion Post #164, both of Spearfish.
Survivors include his wife Susan; one brother David Hemmingson and his wife Sharon of Philip; one sister Jeanette Ernst of Bellville, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers Tony and Loren Hemmingson.
Visitation will be held 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 23, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Spearfish.
Military graveside rites will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
