SACO – Kristen M. Arntsen, 90, of Naples and Biddeford, died Sept. 13, after a long illness.

He was born March 10, 1916, to Olav A. Arntsen and I. Kristine (Hansen) Arntsen in Evenes, Norway. He grew up in Ballangen, Norway.

He joined the Norwegian Merchant Marines in 1937, and the U.S. Maritime Service 1941 to 1946. He made 19 crossings of the Atlantic in convoys during World War II.

On April 2, 1944, he married Genevieve Larsen in New York. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

After the war, he worked for the Esso Co. on the oil barges in New York. He and his family moved to Naples, in 1953. He worked for H.P. Hood & Sons until he retired as assistant manager in 1978.

He was a member of the Pondicherry Lodge of Masons and the American Legion. He was a volunteer firefighter in Naples 1955 to 1969, and also belonged to the Master Mates and Pilots Union.

Kris had a great sense of humor and was a great story teller. He had many stories to tell, having sailed all over the world. He loved to spend time with his family and go camping, fishing and skiing. He also made several trips back to his native Norway to visit friends and family.

He is survived by his brother, Harald Arntsen; sister, Hanna Johansen of Norway; his wife, Genevieve, of Biddeford; his children, Kristine M. Arntsen of Waterville, Ingrid A. Ebersole and husband, John, of Bedford, N.H., Lisa A. Goff and husband, Alan, of Buxton, Helen A. Gauthier and husband, Michael, of Saco and Peter M. Arntsen and wife, Cynthia; five grandchildren, Kirsten, John Jr., Rebecca, Benjamin and Erik; and four great-granddaughters, Emma, Sarah, Erika and Kira.

He was predeceased by his son Erik; two sisters, Aslaug and Aagot; and two brothers, Henry and Andreas.