Obituary of Marion M. Arndt

Marion M. Arndt, 88, passed away Thursday, June 4th at her home in Wisconsin Rapids where she and her beloved husband Earl have lived nearly 60 years. She was born March 25, 1927 in Wisconsin Rapids to Robert and Maria Schroeder. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1945. On April 26, 1947 she married Earl Arndt and enjoyed 68 wonderful years of marriage with her dear husband and best friend. They had three children -- Jerry, Judy, and Linda. The family grew as the kids got married, grandchildren came along, and then great grandchildren; and she stayed very connected and involved in all of the family and extended family activity throughout her life. Her faith, her family, extended family, and huge circle of friends were at the center of her life and at the top of her priorities throughout her life. She always put the needs and wishes of others ahead of her own. It must have taken hours to get through the long list of prayers for others that she prayed every day. And there was always time for her daily devotion and her personal time with God. Her kindness, caring, generosity, and love touched the many people that she knew. Marion loved people and people loved her. She had a variety of jobs throughout her life but one of the highlights had to be the years between 1963 and 1968 when she and the family owned and operated Arndt's restaurant -- that was truly a family business and the memories have filled countless hours of conversation over the years. There was no question about who was in charge; that would be Marion. But her primary job was always to be the best wife and mom in the world. Marion was an avid sports fan ---- Packer football, Badger football and basketball, Brewer baseball. She rarely missed watching their games on TV or listening to them on the radio. She hasn't given up on the Brewers this year despite the horrible start -- the family was still watching a Brewer game with her on TV this past weekend. Her courage and faith was so evident and visible throughout her life, but especially during the final stages of her life when she struggled with many health problems. She and the family truly appreciate the many care-givers that worked with her throughout the many complicated health issues that she had all the way through end-of-life. Hospice care made it possible for her to go home and pass peacefully in the surroundings of her own home according to her wishes. Marion had very little unfinished business in this life on earth. She was ready for that final glorious trip to her eternal home in heaven. Over the last several weeks she has been surrounded by family, friends, and care-givers who were either there with her physically, by telephone, or at least in spirit. She demonstrated class and grace as she had her final conversations and said her final "Good Bye" to so many people that she loved. We know that she is experiencing the joy in heaven that she has been looking forward to and that she is well along in her reunion with family and friends that have gone before her. Marion is survived by her husband Earl; her son Jerry Arndt (Marilyn); her daughter Linda Arndt Mancl (Don); her son-in-law Greg Zuege; a sister Irma Hellner; four grandchildren Brenda White (Brandon), Brian Arndt (Kim), Jeff Zuege, Jen Foti (Brian); eight great grand children; and countless friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Maria Schroeder, her brothers Herbert and Werner, and her daughter Judy. Services will be held Tuesday June 9 at 11:00 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Paul Tonn and Rev. Timothy Wenger will officiate. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home from 4-8 on Monday and at the church from 10 until time of services on Tuesday. Memorial contributions can be made to the Marion M. Arndt Memorial Fund -- c/o Earl W. Arndt, 641 17th St. So., Wisconsin Rapids, WI; the family will distribute the memorial gifts according to Marion's wishes. Memorials can also be contributed directly to any charitable cause of your choice.