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Robert ‘Bob’ Paul Arndt

NEW ULM — Robert “Bob” Paul Arndt, affectionately called “Big Bob,” was born September 10, 1951 in New Ulm, MN to Theodore and Catherine (Meidl) Arndt. He attended New Ulm Public High School before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines, Bob spent two tours in Vietnam fighting for his country. After his time in the service, Bob attended a vocational college in Mankato studying Hydraulics and HVAC. He began his working career at 3M in New Ulm, then later Minnegasco in Gaylord. He started a family business, Arndt’s Appliance, with his father in New Ulm, and eventually started his own equally successful company, Bob’s Heating and Cooling. On January 18th, 1975 Bob was lucky enough to marry the love of his life Lori Schow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. They were blessed with a daughter and two sons. As a family, they spent their early years in New Ulm, followed by Idaho and Washington, before settling down in Walker, MN to finish raising their children.

Bob was known by many as a true Jack-of-all-trades and was the person that people would call if they needed anything repaired. Never wanting to sit still for longer than a few minutes and always on the move, he particularly enjoyed the outdoors, especially the time he could spend hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Being an early riser, he was commonly seen outside at dawn watering his grass and trees and visiting with the neighbors. Bob enjoyed years of riding his Harley, restoring classic vehicles, camping, and playing games and cards with family. He was always first to make a joke and loved to make anyone smile. Many wonderful memories were made wintering in Arizona as well. Even with Bob’s variety of interests and hobbies in life, his main focus and passion by far was his family. He loved every moment he got to spend with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a member of the Seifert-Bianchi American Legion Post 132 of New Ulm.

Bob Arndt died on May 19, 2017 surrounded by family, in his home in Grand Rapids, MN at the age of 65 years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lori Arndt of Grand Rapids; his daughter, Michele (Chris) Otto of Grand Rapids; sons, Robert “R.C.” (Kiri) Arndt of Seattle, WA, Daniel Arndt of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Caitlyn, Griffin, Devin, and Nolan Otto; sisters, Janet Thomas of New Ulm, Gail Janni of New Ulm, Julie (Brent) Reinarts of New Ulm, Bonnie (Jim) Baker of Fairmont, Mary (Bob) Andrews of Florida; brothers, Butch (Karen) Arndt, Ronnie (Melissa) Arndt, and Randy (Renee) Arndt all of New Ulm. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Steven Arndt; sister, Patsy Helget; and brother-in-law, Keith Thomas.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home (South Chapel) in New Ulm. Ennichement will follow at the New Ulm City Cemetery Columbarium. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 and continue from 9-11am on Thursday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home (South Chapel) in New Ulm. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

www.mvfh.org

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