John Gerald Arndt

EVANSVILLE/COTTAGE GROVE- John Gerald Arndt, 59 years old, of Evansville, passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, due to a myocardial rupture, while turkey hunting near his home. Born on Aug. 27, 1958, to Leslie “Jack”’ and Mary Ann (Suchomel) Arndt, of Cottage Grove, John married the love of his life, Lori (Bachim) Arndt on July 10, 1982.   Anyone who knew John understood his love of hunting and fishing, being the thriftiest bargain shopper around, his infatuation with cutting down trees and splitting wood – then dividing and perfectly stacking the logs according to species and age, his adoration of his dog, “Koda”, admiration for his wife and children, and passion for drinking Old Milwaukee Light.  It’s no secret that it took a long time to gain John’s trust and respect, but once earned, he would’ve given the shirt off his back to anyone. Always trying to teach people how to fix and maintain things, John challenged the ineptitude in others and dished out sarcasm every chance he had. The man couldn’t name a single television show currently playing, besides “Survivor”, and didn’t know how to NOT work. For John’s sake, it must be mentioned that he hated every one of the cats his daughters “snuck” home, and neckties like it was his job.  John was known for never “beating around the bush” or stroking anyone’s ego.  John is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Lori Arndt; and two children, Chelsea Arndt and Nikki (Jeremy) Jones; an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; along with his siblings, Sharon (Delferd) Jasper, Sandra (Robert) Nelson, David (Vicki) Arndt, Bette (Jeffrey) Paulson, Julie (Allen) Anderson, Kenneth (Jeanne) Arndt, and Gene Arndt; father and mother in law, Franklin and Frieda Bachim; and several in-laws, Dale (Marilyn) Bachim,  Barbara (William) Ace, Dennis (Dianne Gerber) Bachim, Allen (Merry) Bachim, and Edward (Marlene) Webb. Furthermore, “Johnny” is survived by his three very best friends, Robert “Pooch” Blakley, and brothers Greg and Eric Madsen, without whom he would’ve been very lonely. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-laws, Carol Webb and Sherry Bachim;  and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers or plants, please send any condolences to: Family of John Arndt c/o Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care, 1150 Park Street Oregon, WI 53575.