Arnold “Arnie” M. Jackson Sr, 76, of Mesa, AZ and formerly of Winona, MN died Friday, January 20, 2006 in Mesa. He was born on February 15, 1929 in Sparta, WI to Fred and Fay (Doane) Jackson. He grew up in the Sparta area and served in the National Guard from 1947 until he separated with the rank of Sergeant in 1956.

     Arnie married the former JoAnne Schaitel on September 12, 1953. Arnie worked as a salesman for a Nathes Wholesale Meat for 30 years and then worked for Bakalars in La Crosse for six years. He was a volunteer, serving as the soup maker at Mesa Spirit. He did this for four years. He loved feeding the squirrels in Hatfield and watching the deer in the evening. He will be missed by his family and friends.

     He is survived by his wife, Jo Jackson of Mesa; his children, Carla (Jim) Thompson of Winona, Arnie (Glenda) Jackson Jr. of Winona, Thomas Cindy) of Independence, IA Jackson, Jeff (Dee) Jackson of Rushford, MN; foster children, Cindy (Jim) Carlson of Lakeville, MN, Deb  (Rick) Gaines of Owatonna, MN; grandchildren, Andy Jackson, Glenn Jackson, Kate Jackson-Benke, Danielle Jackson, Kelsey Jackson, Ryan Jackson; great grandchildren, Mackenzie Jackson, Morgan Jackson, and Julie Benke.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, John Mark Jackson.

     Memorial services will be Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Reverend Richard Abernathy officiating.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, 106 W. Franklin St. Sparta, WI on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

     Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, WI is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.