John Michael ARNDORFER

ARNDORFER, PIEPER, ROBINSON, LARSON, SERVANTEZ, LALIBERTE, PORTER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

April 7, 1945 ---- August 29, 2019

John Michael Arndorfer, age 74, of Mankato, Minnesota, died peacefully Thursday morning, August 29th, 2019 surrounded by his family, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Mankato from complications of a chronic condition. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 7 at Woodland Hills Funeral Home in Mankato, with Fr. Tim Reker officiating. Visitation is one hour prior. A light luncheon will follow the service.

John was born on April 7, 1945 in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Edward Frank and Mary Ellen (Pieper) Arndorfer. He graduated from high school in Clarion, Iowa and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology from Iowa State University. He married Janet Sue Robinson on August 21, 1965. The couple settled in Mankato, Minnesota where they started their family and John began working for the City of Mankato, and later, Blue Earth County. His career in Public Works spanned nearly 35 years. Later on he started his own appraisal business and also worked as an independent contractor for Bolton & Menk engineering firm.

John made many friends through his job and the many organizations he belonged to. It was hard for him to go anywhere without running into someone he knew to chat with. He was easy to talk to and well liked by the many who knew him. Travel was a passion of his. He spent many summers with his family exploring attractions all across the country, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and attending air shows. After retirement, John and his wife spent winters in Arizona. He volunteered at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson helping restore aircraft, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Always wanting to travel after retirement, he made trips to Egypt, London, Washington D.C., Cayman Islands, and a Windjammer Sailing Cruise in the Caribbean. As a member of both the Key Cities Conservation Club and Pioneer Power Association, he spent many hours contributing to their cause. A classic car lover and avid MOPAR enthusiast, it was common to find car calendars, magazines, and memorabilia around the house. He was also a long-time member of St. Joseph the Worker parish, volunteering with the Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus. His Catholic faith was an important part of his life. John was a veteran and a member of the Mankato American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet, of Mankato, four children, Christine (Kurt) Larson of Northfield, Tom Arndorfer of Champlin, Joe Arndorfer of Mankato and Angela (Michael) Servantez of Mason City, Iowa, and six grandchildren, Charlie and Kate Arndorfer, Erik and Peter Larson and Drew and Emma Servantez. Also surviving are four brothers, Jim (Gladys) Arndorfer of Leon, Iowa, Clarence (Joyce) Arndorfer of LeRoy, Ken (Margaret) Arndorfer of Austin, Roger (Kaye) Arndorfer of Shiner, TX and one sister, Rosemary (John) Laliberte of Chattanooga, Tennessee, as well as numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, one brother, Francis Arndorfer, one sister, Norma Jean Porter and two sister-in-laws, Lorene and Helen.

https://www.woodlandhillsfh.com/obits/obituary.php?id=677573