Charles “Chuck” Fred Arndt passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on October 10, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, due to complications from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Born on March 14, 1942, in Hutchinson, MN, to Fred and Lillie (Hoecke) Arndt, he was baptized into the Christian faith on April 12, 1942, and confirmed his faith on June 5, 1955. He grew up on the family farm near Cosmos, MN. After graduating from Hector Community High School in 1959, he obtained a BA in History from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN, in 1963. His commitment to faith and service led him to complete a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, in 1967.

On June 10, 1967, Chuck married Mary Jo Handeland. They walked hand in hand as they served the people of Christ and St. John's Lutheran Churches in Earl Grey, Saskatchewan, Canada, from 1967 to 1972, and First and Laketown Lutheran Churches in Cushing, WI, from 1972 until his retirement in 2007.

In retirement, Chuck continued to embody the virtues of a faith-filled life devoted to service. He offered his time and compassion as a part-time chaplain at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Croix Falls, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Interfaith Caregivers, and did pulpit supply until the Covid pandemic.

Chuck loved working outside in his yard and garden, where he found peace and solace in the beauty of nature. His hands were rarely still, as he found joy in refinishing wood furniture and tinkering in his shop. An avid reader, Chuck was always ready to explore new worlds and ideas through the pages of a book. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Jo, his son, Marcus (Becca) Arndt, his daughter, Connie (Andy) Clausen, his cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Kelly and Jason Arndt, and Adam, Aaron, Ryan and Rachel Clausen, and dear cousins who were like brothers and sisters. Each of them carries a piece of Chuck's legacy in their hearts and will continue to honor his memory through their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Leah Clausen.

Chuck journeyed through this world with a heart full of faith, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him. "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).

A Celebration of Life for Chuck will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3 p.m. with a visitation from 1–3 p.m. at Luck Lutheran Church in Luck, WI. Chuck wished to be buried prior to the service so the focus would be the Gospel and not him. To honor his wishes, his burial will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the Cushing Cemetery in Cushing, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, or your congregation of choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, Wisconsin.

Last Update: Oct 14, 2024 7:18 pm CDT