Douglas Dwayne Arndt

Douglas Dwayne Arndt, age 74, of Russell, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral services are Saturday, January 3, 2015, 11:00 AM, at Grace First Parish in Russell, with interment following in the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, two hours prior to the service on Saturday, at the church.
Clergy Officiating: Rev. Gene Anderson
Organist: Sandy Buesing
Congregational Hymns: “Old Rugged Cross,” “Softly And Tenderly,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
Special Music: Delon Clarksean ~ “In The Garden”
Active Casket Bearers: Kirk Arndt, Lee Lidtke, David Sorenson, Rick Schenck, Marlowe Thooft, Lyle Struthers, Sheldon Schultz
Honorary Casket Bearers: Doug’s grandchildren ~ Nicholas Adkison, Hailey Matthys, Trent Adkison, Peyton Matthys
Military Honors: Russell American Legion, Post #460

Douglas Dwayne Arndt was born on September 10, 1940, in Tracy, Minnesota. He was the son of Rudolph and Bertha (Hill) Arndt. Doug was baptized as an infant at the Lutheran church in Florence, Minnesota and was confirmed in his youth at Grace Lutheran Church in Russell. He graduated from Russell High School with the class of 1958 and went to further his education in Toronto, Canada, where he studied to be a diesel mechanic. He went on to work in Pipestone and the Lyon County Co-op Station in Russell.

On November 4, 1961, Doug was united in marriage to Betty Sorenson at the Methodist Church in Balaton, Minnesota. Doug and Betty were stationed in California and he honorably served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Doug received his honorable discharge and returned to Russell, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with three children, Brenda, Brian, and Darcie, and they shared 53 years of marriage.

Doug worked for the city of Russell before driving truck for Southwest Creamery. In addition to working on the Russell Ambulance crew and serving as deputy, Doug was a proud 29-year member of the Russell Fire Department and member of the Russell American Legion. His enjoyments in life included restoring toy tractors, fishing, camping, playing cards, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Doug died on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at the age of 74 years, 3 months and 21 days.

Blessed be his memory.

Doug is survived by his wife, Betty Arndt; three children, Brenda (husband, Mark) Matthys of Cottonwood, Brian (friend, Maureen Carrigan) Arndt of Motley, Darcie (friend, Jay Christianson) Adkison of Canby; four grandchildren, Nicholas Adkison, Hailey Matthys, Trent Adkison, Peyton Matthys; brothers, Larry (wife, Marian) of Lake Benton, Richard (wife, Maureen) of Russell; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Bertha Arndt; parents-in-law, Ed and Regina Sorenson; and nephew, Brent Arndt.