Elmer Arndt

Elmer Gustav Arndt of Staples, formerly of Hewitt, passed away at his home on June 1, 2009 at the age of 94 years. He succombed to congestive heart failure after defeating esophogeal cancer two years ago. Elmer was born on September 4, 1914 to Gustav and Ida (Frank) Arndt at their home in Bartlett Township, rural Verndale. Ida passed away when he was just 15 months old and he was raised by his father and siblings. As a young man, he worked for many farmers in the region. He entered the US Army on January 2, 1942, attained the rank of sergeant in the 30th Infantry Division during World War II in Europe, receiving a Purple Heart, and was honorably discharged on October 26, 1945. Upon returning home after the war, he joined the VFW and was always very proud of the time spent serving his country. Elmer married Marcella Meinhardt on June 10, 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bartlett Township. They raised their five children together in Hewitt. He drove milk truck for the Aldrich Creamery and co-owned and operated the Deep Rock gas station in Hewitt for 40 years. He enjoyed meeting and visiting with people and was known for his booming jovial voice that could be heard all over town. Elmer served his community as mayor and council member of the city of Hewitt. He was a member of the Hewitt Commercial Club, Hewitt Volunteer Fire Department, the Hewitt Senior Citizens and the VFW Club. He served the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hewitt as an active member, Elder, Trustee and Sunday School Superintendent. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, coaching and playing softball, horseshoes, bowling league, cooking and a good game of cards. He also enjoyed gardening and was known for having a weed-free garden. He was especially proud of his family and was happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Gustav and Ida; great-grandchild Ava Klokstad; brothers Otto (Alma) Arndt, Carl Arndt and William (Agnes) Arndt; sisters Bertha (Hugo) Baumhardt, Annie (William) Sellnow and Martha (Herman) Rosevink; and in-laws Ernest (Eunice) Meinhardt and Ray Rooney. He is survived by Marcella, his wife of 61 years; sons Lester (Patricia) of Lake City, Gene of Fergus Falls and Roger (Laura) of Franktown, CO; daughters Linda Arndt of Denver, CO and Lori (Brian) Bates of Staples; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; in-laws Ruth (Alan) Smith of Aurora, CO, Alice Rooney of Osseo, Roy (Devona) Meinhardt of Columbia Heights and Arthur (Myrna) Meinhardt of Farmington; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Elmer were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Staples with Reverend Robin Collins presiding. Military Honors were provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922 of the Veterans of Foriegn Wars in Wadena, MN. Honorary pallbearers were grandchildren Amy Arndt, Jami Arndt, Amber Klokstad, Erik Arndt, Cory Arndt, Andrew Bates, Luke Bates and great-grandchildren Muira Arndt, Sawyer Arndt, Coen Arndt, Lyla Arndt and Daisy Klokstad. Pallbearers were Lester Arndt, Gene Arndt, Roger Arndt, Brian Bates, Aaron Arndt and Kenneth Arndt. Interment was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Bartlett Township. Memorials are preferred to the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.

Elmer Arndt

September 4, 1914 - June 1, 2009