Wayne Arnold
October 28, 1943 ~ August 25, 2024
Born in:
Cresco, IA
Resided in:
Elma, IA
Wayne Arnold age 80 of Elma, IA died Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Colonial Manor of Elma.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church – Crane Creek in rural Lawler, with Rev. Sue Cira officiating. Interment will be in Saude Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Lawler with Military Honors being conducted by Elma Legion Post #597 John Frahm.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 2, 2024, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma with Rev. Sue Cira officiating. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Wayne Richard Arnold left this world on August 25, 2024, at the age of 80. He was born on October 28, 1943, in Cresco, IA, and passed away peacefully in Elma, IA, surrounded by his loved ones. Wayne’s early years were spent in the Iowa countryside, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the land, attending school through the 8th grade before graduating from New Hampton High School in 1961.
After high school, Wayne began a dedicated 11-year career at Oliver/White Farm in Charles City, IA. Throughout this period, Wayne also served his country as a member of the U.S. National Guard until 1970, demonstrating his commitment to both his community and nation. It was during these formative years that Wayne’s life would take a turn for the romantic when he met the love of his life, Patricia Beecher, at a teen hop where he was playing music. The couple’s connection was undeniable, and they were married on August 31, 1968, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes. Wayne and Patricia went on to welcome two children, Brian and Jill, into their family.
The Arnolds were a farming family at heart, starting their journey in the Lourdes area. Wayne balanced his time between working at Oliver and farming for the first 11 years, ultimately dedicating himself to full-time farming. His passion for agriculture was evident in his work, eventually leading him to specialize in milking and providing relief for other dairy farmers across 30 area farms, allowing them to take well-deserved breaks.
Music was Wayne’s soulful escape and a talent he nurtured throughout his life. He was a natural musician, self-taught on the guitar, and his skills extended to easily playing the trombone. Wayne’s love for music led him to perform in numerous bands, and his cherished guitar became a collector’s item. His grandchildren will fondly remember his joy in sharing his musical gifts and the laughter-filled card games where Wayne, a true card shark, always encouraged them to bring their A-game.
Patricia and Wayne shared many joys, including their love for dance. Though initially reluctant, Wayne could never resist Patricia’s invitation to the dance floor, where they would share memorable moments. The couple also enjoyed the occasional excitement of playing blackjack at the casino, a delightful diversion from their daily routines.
One of the family’s cherished traditions was their annual trip to Ten Mile Lake in Minnesota, a place that held countless memories of relaxation and togetherness. The lake was a testament to the simple pleasures they valued and a reminder of the beauty they found in nature.
Wayne’s legacy is one of dedication, love, and joy. He was a man who rooted his life in the soil of his farm, the rhythm of his music, and the hearts of his family. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire those left behind. Wayne’s life was a melody composed of hard work, laughter, and unwavering love—a tune that will resonate for generations to come.
Wayne is survived by his wife Patricia Arnold of Elma, IA; one son, Brian Arnold of Elma, IA; one daughter, Jill (Kevin) Smith of Clive, IA; three grandchildren, Tyler Smith, Haley Smith, and Hannah Smith; one sister, Gloria Hassman of Mechanicsburg, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Alan Hassman.
Services
Service: September 3, 2024 11:00 am - 11:45 am
Immanuel Lutheran Church-Crane Creek
2120 140th Street
Lawler, IA
Visitation: September 2, 2024 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home - Elma
508 Maple St.
Elma, IA 50628
Cemetery: September 3, 2024 11:45 am
Immanuel Lutheran Crane Creek Cemetery
2616 140th St
Lawler, IA 52154
To Wayne’s families mysympathy goes out to youy R.I.P. Wayne
I’m saddened reading of Wayne’s passing . My thoughts and prayers for you and your family
Pat and family, my sympathy and prayers to you and your families. May he rest in peace
Our sympathy to Pat and family.
Rest in Peace Wayne.
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers and sympathy to the entire Arnold family.
Pat, Jill, & Brian 💕🙏💕
Sending our deepest sympathies
Dan & Cathy Shatek
Sincere condolences to the Arnold Family!
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
We were saddened to receive the news of Wayne. You are in our prayers.
1 Peter 5:10 – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.
My sympathy to the family,God bless
Pat, Jill, and Brian,
Our sincere sympathies with thoughts and prayers.
My sympathy to Pat and family. Cherish the memories.
Very sorry for you loss.
My sincere sympathy to the family. There is beautiful music happening in heaven.
Pat Beecher Arnold,
My sympathy to you and your family.
Enjoyed visiting with Wayne at our last HS reunion. At this stage, we never know when something will be our last.
Beautifully written obit. Sister Lorenz would be proud.
Bill Gardner