Warren William Arndt
Warren William Arndt, age 85, of Lamberton, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023. Visitation will be on Friday, July 21, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home, Lamberton Chapel and will continue on Saturday from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lamberton, MN. A prayer service will be on Friday at the funeral home beginning at 4:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lamberton, MN, on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 12:00 pm.
The clergy will be Father Jeremy Kucera. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Lamberton, MN.
Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Lamberton, MN. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Warren was born August 29, 1937, to John and Iona (Karow) Arndt in rural Big Stone County, Minnesota. The youngest of five children, he spent his childhood on the family farm, attending country elementary school, and graduating the Class of 1955 from Clinton High School where he played baseball, basketball and football.
A football injury in his senior year landed Warren in the hospital where he met Marilyn Hendricks who was working as the hospital’s business clerk. Warren and Marilyn were married on June 2, 1956, at Holy Rosary Church in Graceville, Minnesota. They lived and worked in Clinton for two years before moving to Lamberton. Warren took a job at the lumberyard, building cabinetry, and drafting and building homes, including their own on Cherry Street where they raised six children.
In 1968, Warren founded an agribusiness, Lamberton Distributing Company Inc., which he expanded to a new site on Highway 14 in 1972. He enjoyed much success, not only due to his knowledge, integrity and hard work but also in how he connected with people. He knew when to talk and when to listen, quickly establishing relationships and building rapport. Warren thrived in managing the business alone and with his sons throughout the years and up until his passing days when he still asked, “What’s going on at the shop?” He received many awards and recognitions during his 60+ year career of which his family is quite proud.
Warren enjoyed hunting (particularly with his beloved dog, Sara), fishing, carpentry, golfing, billiards, socializing, managing his farmland, going to the lake, spending time with his family and telling endless stories from his quick recollection which will be missed most of all.
Warren is survived by his four children, Gregg Arndt, Carrie Arndt, Colleen (Bryan) Jacobsen and David Arndt; daughter-in-law, Kelly Arndt; ten grandchildren, Megan (Mike) Watercott, Molly Arndt and Logan Arndt; Lucas (Katie) Matzke, Alix (Dillon) Schwindt, Jared (Anna) Matzke and Tayler (Jacob) Budenski; Gracie Jacobsen, Katelyn (Jimmy) Froehling and Cole Jacobsen; five great-grandchildren, Henry and Eleanor Watercott; Elizabeth and Warren Matzke; Nolan Schwindt; and two great-grandchildren he looked forward to welcoming this fall; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
Warren was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; a son, Kurt Arndt; a son, Rick Arndt; parents, John and Iona Arndt; and siblings, Geraldine (Harold) Lillehaug, Eileen (Paul) Grommesch, Jack (Lelia) Arndt and Delores (Eugene) Kashmark.
In lieu of donations, have a drink or cup of coffee with a friend and share a story.
