Wilbur Merle ARNOLD

ARNOLD, LAU

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/25/2016 at 18:08:38

December 2, 1914 ---- April 16, 2016

Wilbur Merle Arnold, of Klemme, Iowa, passed away on April 16, 2016, at the age of 101 following a brief illness. A memorial service for family members will be held on April 30, at the Andrews Funeral Home in Klemme. Burial will take place at his family’s plot in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Wilbur was born on Dec. 2, 1914, and grew up on the Arnold home farm near Klemme. He attended Klemme High School where he participated in basketball and he graduated with the class of 1932. Wilbur went on to enroll at Iowa State University where he attended from the fall of 1933 through the fall of 1935 and he earned a certificate for Agriculture Studies.

Wilbur enjoyed travel and photography in the prime of his life. His travels included a trip to the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago; numerous trips with family members to National Parks in the Rocky Mountains, and to the west coast, during the 1940’s and 1950’s; plus annual outings with extended family to the Iowa State Fair.

Wilbur made a career of farming in partnership with his brother Roy. Together they raised crops and cattle on land some of which has been in their family since 1889. Wilbur retired and moved to a house in Klemme in 1989 where he lived with his sister Evelyn until she passed away in 2012.

After retirement Wilbur maintained his keen interest in farming and enjoyed keeping up on the lives of his extended family including nephews, nieces, and their families. Wilbur maintained his independence as much as he could and always enjoyed visits from family and friends. He spent much of his time reading, studying the Bible, cooking, and caring for his pet cat Big Boy.

Wilbur is survived by his brother Bruce Arnold of Goodell, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Nellie (Lau) Arnold, sister Evelyn Arnold, and brothers Curtis Arnold and Roy Arnold.

April 26, 2016
Mason City Globe Gazette --- Mason City, IA