Kenneth R. Arndt, age 70, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on Sunday, March 8, 2020.
He was born in Saginaw on July 24, 1949, the son of Kenneth S. and Marion (Peters) Arndt. The Arndt family moved to Gaylord in 1954. Ken attended St. Mary and Gaylord High School, graduating in 1967.
He later graduated from Michigan Tech University at LSSU.
He began his United States Army career in 1972 and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after a 30-years of service.
Ken owned Kenneth R. Arndt Appraisal Services for 30 years. He was involved in civic organizations, most notably the Otsego County Planning Commission and Bagley Township Board of Review, where he served for 30 years.
He loved duck hunting, shooting, boating, sailing, and camping.
As a Scout Master, he mentored many young men to the rank of Eagle Scout.
Ken was diagnosed with incurable cancer 15 years ago. His hope was to see his two boys graduate and become faithful, loving men. Along this journey, Ken grew stronger in his Catholic faith.
Ken is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Wilkinson) Arndt; sons, Kenneth Frank Arndt, and Patrick David Arndt; and siblings, Mary Jo Arndt, Peter James Arndt and David Michael Arndt.
A Requiem Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, Rev. Bradley Nursey, officiating.
Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Friday, Mach 13, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
A flag ceremony conducted by the Boy Scouts of America Gaylord Troop #1 will be held at the funeral home Friday evening, March 13, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. followed by a parish Rosary at 6:00 p.m. and VFW Post #1518 military honors at 7:30 p.m.
Visitation will continue Saturday, March 14, 2020, at St. Mary Cathedral from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services.
Contributions in memory of Kenneth R. Arndt may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Gaylord Troop #1, or to St. Mary Cathedral/Latin Mass, through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734
21 comments on “Kenneth R. Arndt”
Our prayers are with you Elizabeth and your family.
Sorry to read of Ken’s passing, our heartfelt condolences to the Arndt family.
Goodbye Ken, You were a great man to know and serve Mass with, will miss you. RIP, Mike O.
Our love and prayers to the Arndt family, especially Kathy, Patrick and Kenny. We are so so very sorry for your loss.
To the Arndt Family, Kathy Kenny, Patrick. Our prayers go out to you during this time of mourning. Knowing that Kenny will find a position with our Lord up there, I will miss my friend, server, and veteran. May he rest in peace with our Lord. Eternal rest grant upon him oh Lord, let perpetual light shine upon him. Richard, Becky Shavinski
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken’s family. We knew him thru Scouting and Kiwanis. Also as a member of the Northland Sportsmen’s Club.
So sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. He had a long struggle but was very courageous.
I am so sorry for your loss!
To the family of Ken Arndt, My thoughts and prayers are with you! We lost a great man and friend! I had a chance to stop and talk to him two summers ago . He hadn’t changed at all from high school. We had a chance to reminisce about the great times we had in school, it lasted 3 hours and I shall never forget it!
Rest in Peace my friend, you are out of pain and in the arms of our Lord now in Heaven! See you soon!
Vince LaRosa
Our condolences to Kathy, Kenny and Patrick. We share your loss of this generous individual and leader. His wisdom and kindness wwill be greatly missed by all of us.
Lt Col Ken Arndt was an energetic and troop loving leader. His motto for pursuing ideas for troop morale often was, to act now and ask permission later. He brought his enthusiasm with him in every assignment and will surely be missed.
Kathy and family, so very sorry to hear about your husband Ken and father to your sons. Ken was a good business man and a proud Boy Scout leader. He will be greatly missed. Sending Sympathy Hugs. Kathy and Terry Avenall
Condolences to the family, Ken was such a nice kind man.
Kathleen condolences to you and your family. I had the good fortune of knowing Ken in high school. He was a wonderful person and obviously a very giving person.
LtCol Ken Arndt always focused on taking care of his troops. He had an expression of “ask forgiveness, not permission” when doing what he felt was best for troop morale and mission accomplishment. Ken was always an awesome leader.
So sorry for your loss…May God surround you with his love.
Kathy and sons, our love and prayers are with Ken and you. I haven’t really interacted with Kenny for 20 years, but he has always remained a friend to me, and I will share your loss. What a fine and special person he was.
We are so sorry to hear about Ken. Ken did great things with the Boy Scouts. Both of my boys enjoyed being in his troop.We will keep Kathy and the boys in our prayers
Our condolences to Kathy and her sons. Ken will be missed. He was a god man.
I just learned of Ken’s passing, Kathy. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
What a wonderful, faithful man! Kathy, our prayers continue to be with you and your family.