Arnold John Stucky

Arnold John Stucky Battle Creek, MI Arnold J. Stucky, 71, of Battle Creek passed away in Fenton, MI on December 16, 2010 (lung cancer). Arnie was preceeded in death by two brothers Charles (Mary) and David (Kathy). Surviving are brothers Daniel (Judy) and Samuel (Theresa). Arnie was born March 14, 1939 in Toledo, Ohio to Charles and Catherine (Hirzel) Stucky. He grew up in Hudson, MI. He was high school class president and captain of an undefeated football team that broke the state record in consecutive wins. Arnie earned his bachelors degree 1961 and masters degree in education from MSU in 1964. Arnie began his teaching career in the Battle Creek Public Schools as an Outdoor education Center counselor. He later taught at Ann J. Kellogg where he began a summer camping experience for blind and partially sighted children. A winter camp for blind and partially sighted adults followed and continues to this day. Arnie spent 4 years as the community school director in the Ann Kellogg area and then 21 years as principal of Lincoln Elementary. Arnie met his wife, Lucy Fletcher, at Clear Lake camp's orientation for new teachers in August of 1963. Moonlight canoe rides, campfire music, and woodland adventures won her heart shortly after. Together with persistence, vivid imagination, and hard work they built life long friendships, unforgettable family memories, a beautiful home, and a reputation for charity and good will. Surviving are wife, Lucy of 44 years; children, Kirk (Mary), Eric (Alison), Mark (Romana), Meri Lynn; and six grandchildren, Da'Lin, Silas, Luke, Juli, Dayne, and Fletcher. Arnie was well known for his timely (and not so timely) sense of humor and habit for making and keeping eccentric friends. He made a church of the woods and built a rustic log cabin with his wife and friends. The place served as a gathering for many years and a place in which he could pursue numerous passions including woodworking, hunting, bee keeping, and gardening. Along with seven others he founded the Cedar Creek Eight Conservation Corporation and served as treasurer until he passed. He was a jack of all trades, master of none, but his talents served the mentoring of many young and not so young minds. A family celebration to honor the man will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Hurley Foundation, One Hurley Plaza, Flint, MI 48503. 810-262-9667. www.Hurleyfoundation.org