Just saw this post on facebook from Cate. Arnie was a strong supporter of the NDT, serving in the tabroom for over a decade. I also considered him a friend and will miss him.
This is Cate, Arnie’s wife.
There is no easy way to say this: Arnie died last night after an unexpectedly short illness.
After a routine physical last Wednesday found abnormal blood results, Arnie was admitted to the hospital for further tests. He was diagnosed with cancer on Thursday, and his condition then deteriorated rapidly. He received excellent care at Covenant hospital here in Waterloo, but we just could not get ahead of the challenges, and he died Tuesday night at 9:35. The speed at which symptoms progressed surprised everyone. Arnie was nothing, if not efficient.
Throughout his time in the hospital, Arnie was joking with his caregivers, making the nurses, doctors, aides, lab techs, and even two flight nurses laugh. I think he found many new girlfriends along the way. As he said to one nurse, “Being grumpy won't fix anything and why should I be mean to someone who is trying to help me?”
Arnie was an outgoing guy, but he also was extremely private. So, there will not be any public visitation or service. Later this fall, there will be a small family-only service in his birthplace.
For all who knew and loved Arnie, honor him by loving your friends and partners as deeply and loyally and steadfastly as he loved his. Then, raise a toast, beer or iced tea or margaritas were his favorite, in his honor. If you want to do something more concrete, donate in his memory to any of the following:
The National Park Service, especially Yellowstone National Park or Cloudpeak Wilderness Area
Animal welfare organizations that specialize in cat rescue
Progressive political causes that combat racism, sexism, hunger, and poverty and that promote LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, feminism, and social justice
The Democratic Party and Democratic candidates, from local school board to national races
The National Debate Tournament
