Fred R. Arndt

It has pleased Almighty God to call to Himself in heaven the soul of Fred R. Arndt, who died on Tuesday night, October 22, 2024 at Independence Village Long Term Care in Waukee, Iowa at the age of 72.

Fred Richard Arndt was born on May 28, 1952, to Fred J. and Wilma (Carlson) Arndt at Lake City, Iowa. He was 5th in several generations of “Fred Arndts”- a title he claimed throughout his life. On August 11, 1952, he was baptized into the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church, Gowrie, Iowa by Pastor J Henry Bergren with Richard Carlson and Alice Koessel serving as his sponsors. He professed his faith through the Rite of Confirmation on April 3, 1966 before Pastor Larry Kudart. 

Fred received his education at Humboldt Community Schools, beginning his learning experience at Beaver Township Country Schools from kindergarten through 4th grade, continuing his studies “at the schools in town” and graduating from Humboldt High School with the class of 1970. He furthered his education at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.

Fred spent the majority of his working years in the motor parts and service area. He often proudly told others that he worked almost 40 years at the same location- first for Laing Auto Supply which then later became Arnold Motor Supply. During that time he made many acquaintances who would often stop and chat with him when he was out and about in the community after he retired. 

Fred spent his life as “little brother” to his sister, Maribeth and “big brother” to his younger siblings, Janna and Jim. Those who knew him well will remember his wit and dry sense of humor, his ability to name a song and its artist after just hearing a few notes, how he was a walking digest of old westerns and the actors that starred in them, a reliable family historian and how he enjoyed going out to his favorite restaurants. He was an avid follower of NASCAR from the days of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt until now and a longtime fan of the Minnesota Vikings, though sadly he never got to experience the thrill of seeing them win the Super Bowl!

As a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt, Fred served his Lord and the congregation as an elder, Sunday school teacher, vice president and on the stewardship committee, but he most enjoyed participating in Bible studies and singing in Zion’s adult choir.

Humboldt was Fred’s home all of his life until declining health made it necessary for him to move to Waukee in recent months. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Maribeth (Keith) Erickson of West Des Moines; brother, Jim (Diane) Arndt of Humboldt; niece and nephews, Kari (Matt) Rhiner, Nick (Dawn) Erickson, Jackson Arndt and Carson Arndt; and his great nieces, Madeline Erickson, Jordan Rhiner and Jasmyn Rhiner as well as many dear cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Janna.

We praise and magnify our gracious Lord for extending His salvation in Jesus Christ as Savior to Fred and all who place their trust in Him, and we look forward to the blessed reunion to come in Christ’s presence. “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” 

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29th at Zion Lutheran Church, Humboldt, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church.  Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery.  The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.   www.masonlindhart.com