Robert Fredrick Arndt

Robert (Bob) Fredrick Arndt was born Feb. 5, 1932 to Erich and Viola (Barklage) Arndt in St. Charles, MO.  The family moved to Malta, IL in 1937.  He attended Malta schools and graduated in 1949.   He attended college in DeKalb, IL, now called NIU, where he met his wife, Marilyn Reed.  They were married in 1953 in Woodstock, IL.  Bob later attended the University of California Berkeley.

He was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1952.  Bob served as a radar observer in F-94-C aircraft and later as a navigator in C-124s in the Military Air Transport Service.  He saw much of Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, including Korea, Vietnam, and Panama, and spent time in Antarctica.  Bob retired in 1975 as a Lt. Colonel.

Bob was employed in the state government in Olympia, primarily as the state planner for the facilities at the state capitol.  He participated in the incorporation of Lakewood as a new city.  He was instrumental in a number of Lakewood City projects including the memorial at city hall acknowledging those who have served in the military.  He has been a member of Christ Lutheran Church since 1974, serving on various committees and as council president.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his three sons, David (Phoebe), Steven (Cindy) and Tod (Susanne); four grandchildren: Brittany, Stephanie, Katheryn and Chelsea; and his sisters, Elda Mae Jordal and JoAnn (Kermit) Nordeen.

Bob enjoyed a wonderful life with a loving wife and family, military and civilian careers with unique challenges, and saw much of the earth and God’s creations.

A funeral service will be at Christ Lutheran Church, 8211 112th Street SW, Lakewood, WA on Saturday, February 12, at 1:00 pm. 

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