October 15, 2020

Mr. Harmonica Man

“Eat an orange every day,” is the advice NMB’s 2019 South Dakota Volunteer of the Year Arne Koski will give you when you ask him his secret to living a long life.

He’ll then likely tell you a couple of jokes, talk about his family, ask you when your birthday is, and, if you’re lucky, play you a few songs on his harmonica.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Born July 1, 1928, Arne Koski is an incredibly humble and kind-hearted man full of many laughs, stories, and talents. As a Navy Seabee and a veteran of both WWII and the Korean War, he routinely puts his flag out in front of his home every single day. He is a member of the Honor Guard, has been with the American Legion for over 60 years, and shares National Mutual Benefit’s passion for patriotism.

On June 22, 1949, Arne met his “reward for life“: his late wife, Gae. The following year on August 22, when Arne was just 22 years old, he and Gae got married! The lovebirds not only celebrated their anniversary annually, but found ways to celebrate each month. Sometimes it was a message on the mirror, other months, there were flowers or lunch box love notes, but the 22nd of each month always included a kiss, hug, and undying appreciation for one another. The adoring pair were married for 69 years before Gae’s passing in May 2020.

How It All Began

Anyone who knows this Nemo, South Dakota native also knows his love for playing the harmonica. It all started when he was just eleven years old. Arne was flipping through the pages of a novelty catalog and came across a page offering a “How to Play the Harmonica in 30 minutes” booklet. He sent in his request, received the booklet in the mail, and hasn’t stopped playing since.

The song Arne’s best known for is Happy Birthday. He calls both loved ones and strangers alike to play the tune for them on their special day. He also travels to senior/assisted living centers, nursing homes, schools, and churches to play for everyone who had birthdays in the past month. Arne estimates that he plays Happy Birthday an average of twice a day, 365 days a year, and claims it’s because it keeps him in shape. He explains, “It keeps your lungs built up…and your arms since you have to hold it up!”

A Man of Many Talents

When he’s not playing one of his 40 harmonicas, Arne finds other ways to spread kindness. He spends a lot of his time woodworking and loves sneaking his wooden flower creations into his neighbors’ front yards. Because his wife Gae was what he calls a birder, he loved to build birdhouses for her. The beautiful creations are now placed all around his property.

After being honored as Bull of the Woods for 42 years of service to the lumber industry, Arne retired. Arne admits he’s easily bored when stuck inside so he stays on the move, regularly volunteering with his church and the local food pantry. He says that because he’s “getting up there in age”, unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot he can do anymore. However, his keep moving attitude has him shoveling his walkway in the winter, mowing the lawn in the summer, and even climbing onto the roof of the house when his kids aren’t watching.

Arne Koski has to be one of the most interesting, caring, and modest people the world has ever seen. If you’re ever out and about in Spearfish, SD and see a “Happy 22” license plate or hear the clear melody of a harmonica, give a quick wave and a smile because you’re in the presence of a local celebrity!