Nick E. Von Arx

Nick Von Arx, 63, passed into his eternal reward on December 30, 2018 after having suffered a devastating stroke. He was born on July 26, 1955 to Walter and Rita (Bissen) Von Arx in La Crosse, WI.

Nick attended St. Peter’s grade school in Hokah and graduated from La Crescent, High School. He attended Winona Technical College where he studied business and took a few pre-law classes. He worked in Illinois installing telephone lines for a while and after coming back to MN, he began working for Interstate Roofing. Shortly after that he started his own business “Von Arx Home Improvement” from which he just recently retired. He built several homes and remodeled many in the area.

In 1987, Nick married Beth Kahlert and they were later divorced. He is survived by his two sons, Chad and Jack, of whom he was immensely proud. He is also survived by sisters, Barb (Ed) Kruse of Chicago, Diane (Greg) Anderson, Otsego, MN, Karen Smock of Hokah, Mary (Brad) Laabs of Detroit Lakes, Linda Von Arx of Houston, MN, brothers Duane and Jerry of Houston, MN, and Ron (Sharon) of LaCrescent. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Patty and Steve Thompson. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Gregory and his parents Rita and Walter Von Arx.

He was interested in fishing for sun fish and trout, working on personal projects in his shop, and in years past, riding his Harley. He made his own wine, enjoyed canning and preparing good food. Nick loved the country life and enjoyed his little piece of heaven in Burns Valley. Lately he could just watch the many birds and critters that came to be well fed or sit at his firepit and enjoy the radiating warmth.

Nick sang in the choir at St Peters and he often attended the Cathedral in La Crosse, his faith was very important to him. His great passion in recent years has been making music on his guitar. He took lessons, practiced rigorously and invested in some recording equipment. He will live on in his videos, some which include his original lyrics and music, which he posted on YouTube.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12pm on Thursday January 10, 2019 St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah, MN. Rev. Pratap Reddy Salibindla and Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Hokah. Friends may call on the family at the church on Thursday from 10am until the time of Mass.

Memorials are preferred in Nick’s name to St. Peter’s Church fund for restoration of the Wermiskershen stained glass window.