Ervin William Arndt

Ervin William Arndt, age 91, went to rejoice with our Savior, Jesus, on February 11, 2023 at his daughter’s home, Rehoboth Disabled and Elderly Care, in rural Oronoco, MN.  He was born on May 24, 1931, on the family farm in rural Lewisville, MN, to William and Elsie (Blume) Arndt. He was baptized on June 7, 1931 and was in the last class to be confirmed into the faith in German on May 20, 1945.  He attended Trinity Fieldon Lutheran school in Lewisville through 8th grade and graduated from Madelia High School in 1949.  Ervin attended University of Minnesota Ag School and took large credit loads to finish in half the time, as he anticipated being drafted into the Army. In 1952 he was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict.  On May 7, 1955, he married Ann Broughten at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato. They shared over 67 years together. He worked two years as a milkman for Rochester Dairy (Polly Meadows Dairy) in Mankato, and was a Crow’s Seed dealer. Living by the grace of God, he spent the rest of his life working hard on the family farm.

Ervin’s first and foremost love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One of his quotes was, “Science is only what man discovered, that God created.” One Bible verse that describes Ervin is Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” ESV

Ervin’s second love was his family, and his third love was hunting. He was a master of creating and fixing things from farm machinery, children’s toys, a Whizbang Chicken Plucker, and guns. He was a graduate of gunsmithing school. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a life-long member of the American Legion, and the National Rifle Association. He was also a man of service and served on the Pleasant Mound Township Board for many years and held various church offices. He enjoyed reading his Bible, trap shooting, and playing the card game 500.

Ervin is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ann; four children; Debra (Roland) Wendt of Truman, Deann (Armin) Schrimpf of Oronoco, Kevin (Laura) Arndt of Sterling, NE and Heidi (Brent) Johnson of Vernon Center, 19 grandchildren; Allison (Hannes) Slabbert, Andrea Wendt, Molly (Brandon) Miller, Betsy (Spencer) Monson, Bailey (Tayler) Swanson, Lucus (Misty) Beery, Amanda (Kyle) Henderson, Lincoln (Megan) Beery, Noël (late David) Herman, Noah Arndt, Micah Arndt, Michaela (Josh) Nichols, Malachi Arndt, Micaiah Arndt, Moriah Arndt, Seth Arndt, Anika (Aaron) Riewe, Madison Johnson and Isaac Johnson and 31 Great Grandchildren! Nieces Gladys Cruz, Lorinda (Larry) Krenz and Dorinda (Richard) England.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Verona Tonn and Gertrude Kassube, brother-in-law Clarence Kassube, Granddaughter Ellie Johnson, Great Grandson Noah Herman.

A funeral service with military honors for Ervin will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Salem Lutheran Church of Madelia, with Pastor Greg Volbrecht officiating.  Visitation begins at 9AM. Interment to follow the ceremony at Trinity Fieldon Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family preferences for memorials are to St. Paul’s School of Truman or Martin Luther High School of Northrop.