John Edward Arndt

Already missed by his earthly family but welcomed into his heavenly home by those who arrived before him, John Edward Arndt departed this life on 05/02/2009 to enter into the kingdom of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John was born in Moline, Illinois on February 22, 1923 to Marie and John August Arndt. The brother of James F. Arndt of San Luis Obispo (wife Jean), he is also is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Louise Arndt nee Scherer, his children, John L. (wife Leslie) and Rebecca (husband Pat) and his three grandchildren, Paul, Elizabeth and John R. (the fourth generation John in the clan).

John spent his earliest years in Moline attending Garfield Grade School and Moline Public High School. He then served in the army in the Philippines and was also a medic as part of the US Occupation force in Japan during WWII. After completing his military service, he returned to the US to graduate from Augustana College and to start his career and family. He first joined Case Manufacturing, then Deere and Company, later going to work for IBM in Moline. He and his family moved to San Jose, CA in 1962 where he worked for IBM retiring from there in 1984.

After his retirement from IBM, John and Mary purchased a home in Mission, Texas where they typically lived for 8-9 months of the year when they weren’t traveling around the country. During the hottest months of the summer, they would climb into their car and tow their little travel trailer to Los Gatos, California where they maintain a home near family and grandkids.

John was “handy” and ever-so mechanically oriented. He was happiest when he was tinkering with one of his beloved vehicles or camping in his RV and spending time with his wife Mary (whom he nicknamed “Precious”), exploring garage and yard sales on a never ending quest to find old tools and pocket knives, pewter or silver plate utensils and other “priceless treasures”. His other passions included target shooting at the gun range with his pals or talking to both new old friends around the world on his HAM radio (KC5BYC).

We first wish to thank all the family and friends who have provided services and support; physical, spiritual and emotional to Mom and the rest of the family as well. We are grateful to all of you for your love and prayers.

There was a funeral service and celebration of life held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Redmond Road in San Jose to on May 9, 2009. Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009, in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Educational Endowment Fund of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church or The Lutheran Hour Ministries.