Theodore E. Arnold

October 15, 1926 – December 2, 2020

Due to current restrictions, a private family service was held and a celebration of Ted’s life and legacy will be held when a crowd can gather and toast his memory. Memorial donations can be directed to SPCA of Southwest Michigan, in honor of their loving cat Rex, or Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.

Obituary

The long and happy life of “Too Tall” Ted Arnold has come to a peaceful end. Born October 15, 1926 to Theodore M.  and Doris Arnold in Kalamazoo, Ted graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy near the end of World War II. He went to WMU on the GI Bill and became an accountant at KVP Sutherland Paper Company, retiring in 1988 from what had then become James River. Ted served on the Board of Directors for the original employee credit union at his company that is now part of Kalsee Credit Union. A hard worker, Ted often held two jobs, entertaining customers at the Corkscrew Party Store and Portage Plaza Beverage. A lifetime member of VFW Post #1527, he enjoyed bowling and golf and took up running in his 50s, competing in 5K runs. A lifelong Detroit Tigers baseball fan, he also loved to travel and he and his wife Rosie enjoyed many happy winters in Fort Myers, Florida. Ted was preceded in death by his son, Terry, in 1965 and by his beloved sister, Cynthia Pritchett of New York City, earlier this year. He is survived by Rosemary, his devoted wife of 67 years; daughters Randi Rae Arnold (James C. Schelb); Cindy Wengert (Rick); granddaughter Samantha Carbonell (Riley); two nieces and a nephew; two great-nieces and two great-nephews. The family offers special thanks to everyone at Plainwell Pines Nursing Home for providing compassionate care and personal attention to Ted over the last 14 months.

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Debbie Steenholdt
5 years ago

Rose, we are so sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. I have wonderful memories of many years working together with you both. There was never a dull moment when Ted was around and I never knew anyone who loved to laugh as much as Ted! If he couldn’t put a smile on your face no one could. Ted was a very special man and I’m sure you and the girls will miss him terribly. Joel and I send our love and hugs and if you need help with anything please call on us to help you.

Brenda Geren (Triestram)
5 years ago

So sorry for your loss. He was a great friend to my dad (Marvin). I’m sure they are back together now causing trouble.

Marie Rineveld
5 years ago

Rosie and Family, By my best genealogy calculations, your witty, smiley, handsome Teddy outlived every single Rineveld that ever came before him (and I can go back to Onnes Reinders in Groningen, NL in 1715)! Thank you for sharing his light and laughter with us all. This would be a fun nugget of information he’d tell all his bowling teammates and store customers with pride!

Kathleen VanderMeer
5 years ago

Dear Rosie and family, So sorry to hear of Ted’s passing, my prayers to all of you. Sorry we lost touch. You both where great neighbors in Portage and thought of you fondly through cards during the holidays, when we keep in touch. Ted was always happy and smiling and loved his “girls”.

Marilyn Lamborn and Family
5 years ago

Randi and Family: So sorry to read of your Father’s passing. Cherish the times with him and the good memories.