Arden L. McCallson

Arden Lyle McCallson, 80, of Hokah, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. He was the most compassionate man who always made sure to tell you he loved you at the end of every phone call. The love for his family and those around him was unconditional and he will be greatly missed.

He was born in Lanesboro, MN on January 29, 1945, to Leonard and Ruth (Johnson) McCallson. Arden married the love of his life, Kathryn (Kathy) Newman, on August 28, 1966. The two of them made many memories in their family home in Hokah that they cherished which dated back to the 1880s. They spent every moment they could together while enjoying camping, attending drag races in Cedar Falls, IA and at Rock Falls Raceway in Eau Claire, WI with his 1966 Mustang, enjoying their grandchildren, and attending car shows. In 2007, Arden unexpectedly lost Kathy after 41 years of marriage. He later found happiness again with his longtime companion since 2008, Mary Elsen.

Arden loved family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Arden’s greatest joys were his family and showing off his three mustangs (1966, 1965 and 1964 ½). Taking his mustangs to car shows and bringing home the trophies made him very proud. Many in our community know Arden from his used car and auto repair shop on Jackson Street, “Arden’s Auto Service”. He proudly owned and operated the shop for 56 years. He was always willing to help anybody out and was always fair. If someone was struggling to pay or in a bind, it was “on him”. He truly had a heart of gold. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it.

He was survived by his children Kevin (Tara Honsey), Michelle Lang, Corene (Chuck) Johnston, and Chris (Stacey Jacobson); his grandchildren Matt (Nicki), Ryan, and Hunter (Lindsey) McCallson, Chandra (Erik) Skaaren, Jordyn, Wyatt, and Nicholas Lang, Taylor (Natalie) and Cortney Johnston, Collin Niesen, Brayden and Colton McCallson; as well as 8 great-grandchildren with another on the way. He is further survived by his brother Stanley (Connie), sister-in-law Sharon, brothers-in-law Mark (Julie) and Dave Newman, as well as many nieces/nephews, relatives, and close friends and acquaintances including longtime friend and faithful employee Duke, and longtime racing partner and friends Tom and Nancy Groeschner.

Preceding Arden in death, were his loving wife Kathryn (Newman) McCallson; longtime companion, Mary Elsen; his parents Leonard and Ruth McCallson; father-in-law, Miles Newman; mother-in-law Virginia Newman; brothers Virgil, Richard, and Calvin McCallson; sisters-in-law Marlys McCallson, Cheri Muenzenberger, and Delsey Newman; brothers-in-law Paul Muenzenberger, Tommy and Eddie Newman; daughter-in-law Lori McCallson; son-in-law Steve Lang, as well as many relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank our local Fire Departments and First Responders for their quick actions and efforts. They would also like to thank the community for their outpouring support.

A Celebration of Life to honor Arden will be held Saturday, May 9th from 2:00-7:00p at Creekside Events (17365 County 26, Houston MN 55943). Because Arden loved classic cars and hotrods, please help us fill the parking lot with the cars he loved as you come and share stories and celebrate this wonderful father, grandfather, companion, and devoted friend to all.