Walter August Arndt, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011 at home. He was 75.

Born in Chicago, Ill. on January 4, 1936, he was the son of Paul and Luise (nee Kniggendorf) Arndt, both of whom preceded him in death.

In 1969, he married Clara (nee Runner), who also preceded him in death.

He is survived by two children, Richard (Sharon) Arndt of Chesterton and Daniel (Laura) Arndt of Richmond, Ind.; eight grandchildren, Richard (Jessie) Arndt, Andrea (Stephen) White, Emily, Patrick, Elizabeth, Grace, Nicole and Kathleen Arndt; one great-granddaughter, Lucy Lynne White; brother Paul (Arlene) Arndt of Griffith, and many nieces and nephews too numerous to name. He is also survived by many friends and supportive family members.

Walter was also preceded in death by sisters Johanna (late Steve) Slavens, Margaret (late Marion) Bice, Dorothy (late Pete) Orban, Clara (late Clem) Lessner and brother-in-law, Elmer Runner.

He was raised in the Black Oak section of Gary, attending Black Oak School (elementary) and graduated from Calumet High School in 1954. He was a soldier in the United States Army, honorably discharged in 1961. He was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Gary (former Youth Group Leader), and later in life, Grace Lutheran Church in Dyer. He was a Pack Leader in Cub Scout Pack 510, Chicago Cubs fan, former Precinct Committeeman and strong supporter of LINC, in the 70’s. Classical Music, Star Trek, his accordion and ukulele and 8MM Film system helped fill his spare time.

He was a lifetime studier and admirer of all airplanes and trains, however, he held a special place in his heart for Studebakers and a certain 1937 Buick. He was a skilled woodworker, successful gardener, and was rarely seen without his “Dutchman” cap. He loved berries and roses, but didn’t like messes.

He was employed by Combustion Engineering from 1956 until their closure in 1986. He also worked for Post Combustion Engineering and retired in 1998 from Union Tank Company, both in East Chicago.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2011 from Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, 1920 Hart Street, Dyer. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-5:00 p.m. and 7-9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville.

In addition to cards and flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County. www.fagenmiller.com

Posted 10/5/2011