Robert W. "Bob" Arndt

1954 - 2025

Janesville, WI - Robert Willard "Bob" Arndt, age 71, passed away peacefully in his home overlooking his cattle in the pasture and surrounded by his family on November 30, after a brave battle with cancer. Bob was born in Janesville, WI, on November 28, 1954, the son of Willard and Donna Arndt. He married Mary Arndt (Slatter) on May 29, 1982, and together they raised four children on their multi-generational family farm.

Bob was a well-known and respected farmer who dedicated his life to agriculture. From a young age, he proudly milked dairy cows, raised beef cattle, and grew a variety of crops in LaPrairie Township, plowing his final field alongside his two sons, Austin and Abraham, just a couple of weeks ago. He also supported his farm and the broader farming community by hauling agricultural products through Bob's Trucking Service for 50 years. Bob faithfully followed in his father's footsteps, working sunup to sundown, seven days a week, with integrity, honesty, and pride.

Bob graduated from Janesville Craig High School in 1973, where he played football, sang in the choir, and served as president of Craig FFA. He later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course, graduating in 1975. Bob held many leadership positions in local agriculture groups, including the Rock County Beef Producers, the Rock County 4-H Fair Board, and as superintendent of the Beef Barn. He founded the Rock County 4-H Fair Alumni Association with his best friend, Paul George, and served as its president for many years. At every opportunity, he encouraged young people.

Bob received numerous awards and honors recognizing his contributions to Rock County agriculture, including the American Farmer Degree from the National FFA Organization-the highest degree a member can earn. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Rock County 4-H Fair Alumni Association and was inducted into the Ag Business Council of Rock County Hall of Fame. He was also a Craig High School Honor Wall recipient.

In addition to being a respected farmer, he was a devoted leader in his community. Bob will be remembered for his generous spirit, supporting a wide range of community organizations with his time and resources and always finding a way to get things done. You could often hear him saying, "You have to give until it hurts," and he lived his life by those words.

Bob was a long-time member and supporter of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School, where his wife, Mary, taught for 35 years, his children attended, and many of his grandchildren are currently students. He shared his God-given gift of singing by serving as church cantor and choir member. He was fondly known throughout the community as "The Singing Farmer," performing the National Anthem at many events.

He served on the SSM Health St. Mary's Foundation - Janesville Board of Directors and established the Mary and Bob Arndt Endowment for Cancer Care through the SSM Foundation to support local cancer patients.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Arndt, of 43 years; his son, Austin Arndt, and his wife, Allison, along with their children Ainsley, Adaline, and Austin Robert Willard (Bo); his daughter, Abigail Gasser, and her husband, Michael, along with their children Theodore, Martha, and Franklin; his daughter, Amelia (Molly) Prom, and her husband, Eric, along with their children George, Gloria, and Mary; and his son, Abraham Arndt, and his wife, Kristine, along with their children Andy, Adam, Abraham Jr. (AJ), and Amelia. He is also survived by many other beloved family members.

He is preceded in death by his father, Willard T. Arndt Jr. (1930-1993), and his father-in-law, John L. Slatter (1931-2008).

A visitation will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Friday, December 12 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm with a Mass the following day at 11:00am followed by a committal service at Turtleville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Vianney Catholic School, the Mary and Bob Arndt Endowment for Cancer Care, or the Agricultural Exhibit at the Children's Museum of Rock County. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com