Over the years, Arneson contributed to Clear Lake’s progress and updating by removing several old buildings in the downtown area and built or remodeled the bank three times. Today it has 27,000 square feet on Main Street with separate drive-in facilities. A successful branch operates in Garner, Iowa.
Past President of Rotary and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Mark served on many committees and on the Clear Lake Industrial Development Board. He was one of those most instrumental in helping Opportunity Village, a non-profit facility serving the disabled, open in Clear Lake, and remained a faithful backer of the Village and its programs.
Recognizing the historical importance of the Surf Ballroom to the community, Arneson became part owner of the legendary dance hall when it seemed as though it was about to close its doors for good. He used his own money to help support the Surf and keep it alive until the Snyder family purchased the building and restored it to its original condition.
Mr. Arneson made personal financial contributions to the community in many ways, supporting most of the churches in the town for the various building projects, contributing to the library project funds and supporting several young people through their college careers.
During his banking career, M.A. Arneson brought the Group 3 Bankers’ Meeting to Clear Lake for 18 years, inviting business owners in Clear Lake as well as all Clear Lake government employees to the meetings held at the Surf Ballroom. The meetings brought in 2,500 people each year to a sit-down dinner followed by name entertainment such as Gordon McGray and others and then a dance. The Clear Lake meetings came to rival the State Bankers’ Convention in size year after year with bankers coming here from New York, Chicago and Kansas City.
Mark Arneson died January 27, 2005, at age 99.