ESTHERVILLE — Arvin Ray Juhl, 94, of Estherville, passed away August 31, 2026, leaving behind a life shaped by military service, farming, faith and a deep commitment to his family.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Estherville Lutheran Church.
Arvin’s final resting place will be East Side Memorial Cemetery in Estherville.
Arvin was born March 10, 1932, the son of Clarence and Virginia Juhl. He was baptized at Estherville Presbyterian Church and grew up attending country school before moving on to Estherville High School, where he graduated in 1949.
During high school, Arvin spent four years as a member of FFA, an early reflection of the agricultural life that would later become an important part of his story.
With the Korean War underway, Arvin enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 18, 1952.
Later that year, on September 21, 1952, he married Shirley Valen at Estherville Lutheran Church.
The young couple moved to Othello, Washington, where Arvin was assigned to an Aircraft Control and Warning Radar Site. A short time later, he was stationed in Korea.
After returning to the United States, Arvin and Shirley eventually moved to Chandler, Minnesota.
Together they raised three children, Gordon, Gloria and Gregory.
Greg, who was handicapped and used a wheelchair, lived at home for 25 years before spending another 25 years at Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon. He died in 2017 at age 50.
Arvin and Shirley began farming near Dolliver in 1956 and continued there until 1960, when they moved to the family farm closer to Estherville.
During his farming years, Arvin also worked part-time with the Farm Service Agency, helping with duties that included sealing grain and measuring farmland.
After decades of farm life, Arvin and Shirley moved into Estherville in 1991.
Shirley died in March 2007.
Faith remained an important part of Arvin’s life. He was an active member of Estherville Lutheran Church, serving on church boards and participating in the Many Voices Choir.
Arvin is survived by his son, Gordon Juhl and wife Brenda; daughter, Gloria Hansen; grandchildren Eric Juhl and wife Ashley, Marcus Juhl and wife Danie, Travis Juhl and wife Lindsay, Sarah Bourgoine and husband Jason, and Adam Nourse and wife Stephanie; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Beverly Juhl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; son, Greg; brothers Dale Juhl and Dennis Juhl; and sister-in-law Jane Juhl.
In lieu of flowers, Arvin’s family suggests memorials to Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, Estherville Lutheran Church or Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory in Estherville is assisting the family.
To view Arvin’s complete obituary, share a memory or leave a message for his family through Henry-Olson Funeral Home, please click here: https://www.henryolsonfuneral.com/obituaries/Arvin-R-Juhl?obId=49423325
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