Arthur "Art" Mandell

 Arthur E. Mandell, born February 17, 1930, in Faribault, Minnesota, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 11, 2025, at the age of 94, six days shy of his 95th birthday. His loving family was blessed to be close to him throughout his life and benefited deeply by his kind heart, humble spirit, and sense of humor. His life impacted not only his family but the entire community in an enormously positive way. His ability to be brave and lead by example was evident to the very end. 

Art grew up in Faribault and attended St. Lawrence grade school and graduated from Bethlehem Academy High School in 1948. It was there that he met JoAnn Adams, the love of his life. This high school romance blossomed, and they married on June 11, 1951, in Faribault. The marriage developed into a lifelong partnership which was one for the ages.

Art's early years were spent working on his family’s 3rd generation dairy farm. In 1958, Art and Jo bought a farm of their own, and it was during these bustling days that Art would stop by a local Dairy Queen for a treat and a chat with the owner when he had the chance. He dreamed of owning a Dairy Queen where he could work indoors and eat ice cream whenever he wanted – what a life that would be! One day, as if divinely inspired, one of Art’s cousins let Art know that he heard of a Dairy Queen for sale in an unknown land called Missoula, MT – he thought Art might want to check it out. And in an epic tale, oft retold, Art and Jo, with 5 small children to care for, considered what that possibility might look like – what it may entail. Two Minnesota “kids” who had never been out of state decided that they should consider it – at least take a look. So, they organized care for their kids and hopped the train to Missoula where some very kind folks, many of whom became lifelong friends, helped them navigate the train depot, the town and looking at the business. After returning home and enduring sleepless nights trying to decide on the right move, Art told Jo that he wanted to take the risk – he thought they could make it go. He asked Jo what she thought. As Art often retold, Jo’s response was “I go where the wild goose goes.” 

The dream began when Art, Jo, and their gaggle of young children moved to Missoula, Montana in 1961 to purchase the Higgins Avenue Dairy Queen. The first years were a struggle, but they persevered. His success was built upon his simple principles of hard work with long hours to get it right. They operated the Dairy Queen as a family and later son Mike became partner for a period of 15 years, followed by long-time partner Jim Auger until Art and Jo sold the business in 2022. This marked an incredible milestone of 60 years in business and 70 years of marriage.

In 1978, Dan and George Lambros approached Art to partner with them and George Caras in opening a Dairy Queen, Orange Julius, and Morrow's Nut House in the new Southgate Mall, which Art, and later new partner, daughter-in-law Cindy, operated over the years. By 1984, he expanded with another Dairy Queen on Brooks Street with family, partner Mike and long -term partners Bea and Larry Helean. In 1997, Art expanded with a Dairy Queen in Lolo, MT, again partnering with his daughter-in-law Cindy. Art was also an active partner in The Pretzel Place at Southgate Mall.

Art loved being the “Dairy Queen Man”. For many, Art Mandell and Dairy Queen are synonymous.

Art was a pillar of the Missoula community. A proud 60+ year member of the Sentinel Kiwanis Club and various other business associations, he offered employment to generations of high school students and supported reading programs in local schools and the Missoula Public Library. His dedication extended to Loyola Sacred Heart High School, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, St. Patrick House, and Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul, MN. Much of his charitable work was carried out quietly, a testament to his humble nature. Both his moral compass and faith were strong and the drivers of his actions.

Art's social nature was legendary. He loved adventures, meeting people, learning new things and having fun with practical jokes. He made his daily “rounds” downtown, visiting friends at the coin shop, stock brokerage, and various other regular stops. His highlights included meeting up for coffee and a chat with friends and business partners – all of whom he respected deeply for their dedication to, and focus on, family and community. His family delighted in the tales of his daily adventures. He loved to say, "The only difference between work and play is attitude," a mantra he lived by. Art had a knack for bringing joy and fun to everything he did – his life and work alike - leaving a lasting impact on those around him. Many people, young and old, have touted Art as their favorite and most fun-loving boss.

Art is survived by his wife of 73 years JoAnn; daughter Kathy (Bob) Howlett of Missoula; son John (Cindy) Mandell of Florence; son Mike Mandell of Missoula; daughter Maggie Mandell (Mark Ramsey) of Nashville, TN; and son Chris (Colleen) Mandell of Seattle, WA. He also leaves behind grandchildren Erin Howlett, Jacob (Michelle) Mandell, Anna (Ken) Vaillancourt, Matthew (Ali) Mandell, Elizabeth Mandell, Mason Mandell, and Asher Mandell, as well as great-grandchildren Emily and Reagan Mandell, Olivia and Charlotte Vaillancourt, and Avery and Madison Mandell, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Art was preceded in death by his parents Harrison (Harry) and Julia (O’Keefe) Mandell; sister Elizabeth “Betty” (Mandell) Heymans; son Mark Mandell; and daughter-in-law Debra (Nurse) Mandell.

Art Mandell's life was a beacon of kindness, generosity, and dedication. His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and the community he loved so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please be kind to someone today. Offer a smile to a stranger. Say hello to someone passing by on the street. Find an opportunity to offer up a corny joke. Pay some kindness forward as Art often did. If you wish to offer a donation in Art’s name, we suggest St. Patrick House, which holds deep importance to both Art and Jo as they had to struggle to find housing as young parents navigating an unimaginable situation when their son Mark was sick. Their prayer is that no one would have to be in that position at such a difficult time.

Services will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, in Missoula, on Friday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in Reidy Hall. The service will also be live streamed and can be found at www.gardencityfh.com.