Eugene “Gene” F Arndt, age 94, died at home of natural causes on July 5, 2023. He was born on September 19, 1928 to his parents Walter and Gertrude (Maahs) Arndt. Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Olidine “Ollie” (Fellbaum). Gene was fortunate to find love again with his second wife the late Evelyn Woodward. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Faye Arndt and Marion Bluhm. Gene is survived by his brother, Harvey Arndt and sister-in-law, Joyce Pempek, his five children Fran Arndt (Mary Hermes), Geri Batten (Bill), Sue Buettner-Duginske (Tom), Ron Arndt (Debbie), and Paulet Arndt (Brad Jarocki), 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Gene was a World War II veteran stationed in Italy. He was discharged with the rank of Corporal. Gene had the privilege of attending the Honor Flight to Washington DC. The trip was one of the highlights of his life. Gene started his work life early. In his teens he worked on his uncle’s farm, drove truck and painted barns. He spent over 40 years as a millwright – retiring as supervisor of all millwrights for what is now Domtar. His love of all things mechanical made this his ideal job. He had many hobbies and talents – fishing, boating, hunting, camping, water skiing, UTV riding, snowmobiling, and trap shooting. He and Ollie were members of the Wausau Antique Auto Club. Gene rebuilt a number of antique cars and trucks which won many trophies. Gene was a charter member of the Edgar Steam Show. He showed his rebuilt tractors at the steam show for many years and donated his time mowing fields for the show. Gene was a second-generation member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Wausau, where he was an active member and donated hundreds of hours to projects, especially the building and finishing of the new school and gym.
We will honor Gene with a Celebration of Life on July 30, 2023 beginning at 12:30pm with a social hour, a short program, military honors, and lunch at Northwoods Veterans Post, 601 Johnson St., Merrill, WI. Come with a smile on your lips and a story to share. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s name to the Edgar Steam Show, PO Box 272, Edgar, WI 54426. Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS