Milton Arnold Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - King-Hart Chapel on Oct. 1, 2025.
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Milton Ralph Arnold, 90, of Hart, entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The son of Ralph and Julia (Robertson) Arnold, Milton actually came into this world on January 11, 1935, a "preemie baby" weighing under 3#. The doctor did not sign his birth certificate until the 12th when he realized this baby was going to live! And live he did, to the fullest. His adventurous growing up in the Upper Peninsula with its streams and waterfalls as his backyard, gave him the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, fishing with his brothers, often providing the day's dinner catch, which his mother lovingly prepared. Milt acquired his love for baking sweet treats from his mother, utilizing his skills on the Navy ship during the Korean War, he served his country that he loved. Upon his discharge from the service, he wasted no time in marrying his sweetheart Lois Marguerite Johnson, on January 27, 1956. His culinary skills were honed in his often preparing dinner before Lois got home from work, always to her appreciation. Milt's chocolate cake with butter cream frosting was an expected treat at everyone's birthday! His chocolate chip cookies were made by the "dozen- dozen" (he was used to cooking for an "army" Navy!) and always a sellout at bake sales and fundraisers. After retiring from the Sparta Foundry, Milt continued working various janitorial positions including for his son's business Integrity Marketing Group, Shape Corporation in Grand Haven MI, and Resurrection Life Church in Grand Haven, MI. He and Lois were the original bookstore operators at church. Milt would greet visitors with a carmel sweet treat tucked into their hand and a "God Bless you" and he meant it! Milt enjoyed driving Lois (who never did get her license) on whatever excursion she desired, from the family's visits out west to Mt Rushmore, Grand Canyon and family in Spokane WA, to church revivals in Florida and Canada. Her requests for traveling were always met with "yes, Ma" and off they went to family, friends, or shopping adventures. Losing his driving ability was a great sorrow to them both as it curbed their independence. In latter years Milt & Lois called assisted living facilities home, but they never were settled very long in one place. Due to his veteran's status, the VA supported dad and mom in his final years in a kind and generous way.
Milton is survived by: his loving wife, Lois Marguerite (Johnson) Arnold; his children, Steven D. (Marilyn) Arnold and Sherri L. (Brian) Elgersma; grandchildren, Hannah (Seth) Edenburn and Rachael (Jason) Lanning, Cody & Megan Elgersma; great-grandchildren, Alana, Sawyer, Amelia, Emma & Landon Edenburn, Ethan and Eliza Lanning; sister, Joahn (Budd) Thompson; sister-in-law, Karen (Tom) Arnold; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Shirley (Larry) Stancliff; 3 step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Stephen) Weesies, Hillary (Baskaran) Jayachandren, and Sara (Joshua) Gyson; 7 step great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and many who lovingly called him "Dad Arnold".
Milton was preceded in death by: his parents, Ralph and Julia Arnold; brothers, Tom, Lyle, and George Arnold; sisters, Jessie Curtis, Carol O'hara, and Connie Peterson; grandson, Nathan Arnold; granddaughter, Noel Arnold; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford and Katherine Johnson; Sister-in-law & brother-in-law Donna & Ray Rexford.
In accordance with Milton's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers or gifts, and in honor of the God he loved and served even more faithfully than his Navy duty, spend time thanking God for who Milton Ralph Arnold was in your life, and securing the assurance of eternal life he has laid hold of, that you, too, will find your eternal home with our Heavenly Father thru Christ Jesus' love for you at the cross.
Milt would say to you: "HIS BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU, IN JESUS NAME."
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com