Joey Arnegard
Joey Bernhard Arnegard, 16, of Watford City, N.D., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, in an automobile accident in Watford City, N.D. He was born in Eden Valley, Wyo., on May 11, 2005. His Great Aunt Jinny Carlson was the Doula who assisted at his home birth. To his mother, Joey was her desert boy. He was the fifth of seven children born to Reverend David and Alida Arnegard during the time David pastored the Eden Valley for Jesus Evangelical Free Church.
Joey seemed to have been born with a twinkle in his deep blue eyes, a brilliant mind, and an adventurous spirit. He had strong, steady hands that were always busy; whether he was holding a Rubik’s Cube, a paintbrush, playing the piano, dribbling a basketball, or holding a hand of cards. He had a passion for solving complicated puzzles and loved learning algorithms. His desk held his collection of the many Rubik’s cubes he had formed into various shapes and patterns. His family loved listening to him play the piano and he often learned new songs and solo pieces he heard in music and movies. Joey always impressed his family by his ability to paint a picture so full of reflection, smart angles, and color. His art is greatly treasured by his family. Come rain or shine, wind or snow, Joey would be shooting hoops out on the gravel driveway of the Arnegard home. He was always looking for ways to improve his form and accuracy. He practiced hard and his family and friends loved cheering him on as he improved over the years.
Joey was a thrill seeker and looked forward to camping trips, long hikes, and spontaneous summer lake days. All he needed was a pack of matches and flip flops and he was ready to go. Rain or shine, it was lake time.
Every year, Joey looked forward to long youth trips and noisy bus rides with his friends - always full of funny stories and inside jokes to tell when he got home. When he was not so busy, Joey would often be found at a table dealing out a hand of Rook or setting up a board game for the family. Since Joey loved games of strategy, the Arnegards knew when they started a game of Dutch Blitz, Settlers of Catan, Chess, or Ticket to Ride, there was a 9 in 10 chance that Joey would win.
His clever mind was well balanced by his reassuring smile and love of animals. Joey loved the family puppy, Willow, and he would spend many hours calling her nicknames, like “Wit, Wheezy, or Pup,” only he could come up with while welcoming her into the house with hugs and words of adoration. If there was a baby or small animal in sight, it would be in Joey’s arms. He had such a love for baby goats, ducklings, chicks, kittens and puppies.
Joey never got to experience being an uncle, but he was a role model and master of fun to all of his younger cousins and siblings at each family gathering.
Joey loved his family in a teasing way. He was the king of nicknames for all. He would show love to his family with gentle pats on the head, linking arms during a movie, and hugs, no matter how old he got. Joey made sure to always say, “I love you,” and was a friend to each one of his siblings.
Joey made his family laugh more than anything and his voice brought joy to their home. He fully won the hearts of his parents, siblings and friends and he was adored and cherished by each of them.
His deep love for God was reflected in his joy in Jesus which shone brightly in his contagious smile and his mischievous blue eyes. He truly spread a mantle of intentional kindness and Godly selflessness wherever he went.
Returning from an insanely successful ‘shoot around’ with his beloved team members and friends, black ice caused Joey’s Avalon to careen out of control. He was hit by a semi truck after he lost control of the vehicle.
On Tuesday morning, Jan. 25, Joey Arnegard went to be with Jesus.
The many who mourn his passing include his parents, David and Alida Arnegard; his siblings, Kristina, (Cole), Clara, Dorothy, Oskar, Oliver and Judah.
He is also mourned by Grandparents, Cameron and Mary Susan Arnegard; Uncles, (Spencer) Simmons, Matt Arnegard, and Iver Arnegard; and dear Aunties, Ruth Frank and Virginia Arnegard.
On his mother’s side, Grandfather Harold Timothy Carlson and ‘Mor Mor’ Judy Raye Carlson mourn him; along with Aunties, Elnora White, (Danny), Elizabeth Carlson, Annalisa Shamberger (Justin); and Uncles, Kristian (Damaris) and Nels (Jordan) Carlson.
He is mourned by 28 maternal cousins and 4 paternal cousins; and Great-Great Paternal Cousin, Gen Bruins; Great-Great Maternal Auntie, Marilyn Carlson; and Great Maternal Aunties, Ruth, Marilyn Aronson, (David); and Great Uncles, Richard (Jinny) Carlson, David (Virginia) Carlson, Bruce (Ann) Carlson, and Chuck (Nicole) Carlson; along with other beloved relatives who each grieve deeply his sudden passing.
This world is truly not our home and now, ‘He is finally home!’
“Our Dearest and Brightest Joey! Joey! Joey!!!, we shall meet again!” because of Jesus and thankfully we do not grieve as those who have no hope. As Grandpa Cameron so lovingly expressed, “Taken in his prime. Mercifully it was swift. He was the Best of us.” Oh how we miss you, our dearest “Joey Showey.”
Joey’s Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. at 11 a.m. at the Watford City Assembly of God Church, 2117 Main Street, Watford City. Pastor Sheldon McGorman will be officiating. Visitation was held at Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Funeral Service will be live-streamed; you can view Joey’s service directly on his obituary page at the website www.fulkersons.com
Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City is assisting the family. Friends may sign the register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com.