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Submitted: 3/13/12 • Approved: 3/18/12 • Last Updated: 8/14/15 • R153753-G0-S3
Arnold Wildermuth was born March 16, 1922, at Tripp, the son of Robert and Christine Wildermuth. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. He grew and attended school in Tripp graduating from high school in 1940. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.
Arnie was on reserve maneuvers when the U.S. Entered World War II. He saw active duty in the South Pacific Theater for the duration of the war, serving in the 147th Field Artillery of the 2nd Battalion. He received a Bronze Star for bravery. After returning from the war he attended the University of South Dakota at Vermillion.
On January 1, 1948, he married Loreen Nuss at Olivet, SD. He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Worthington, MN, and Dell Rapids. He was owner of the Standard Station in Dell Rapids and later was employed at the Dell Rapids Gambles Store. He worked in sales and repair with the Philco Corp for 25 year. He traveled for Addressograph-Multigraph for several years. In 1970, he became Finance Officer for the City of Dell Rapids, retiring in 1987. Most recently he drove the school van for special needs children.
Arnie was a 30 years member of the Dell Rapids Fire Dept.; a 50 year member of the Dell Rapids American Legion; president of the S.D. Municipal League from 1983-84; a member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids, Silver Coyote Coaches Club of USD, Lions Club ad a Charter Member of the Dell Rapids Golf Course.
He will probably best be remembered for his 48 years of service to athletics and youth of Dell Rapids. He attended his 49th homecoming football game the night before his death. He ran the down maker for all home football games, operated the clock at home basketball games and kept the book at away games. He was timer for the Dells Invitational Track Meet. He also coached youth basketball in his earlier years. He received several awards from the students, coaches and faculty of Dell Rapids High School.
Arnie, 72, died October 1, 1994, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Loreen, his parent and two sisters.
He is survived by three sons, Rev. David and his wife, Beverly of Leola; Paul and his wife, Cheryl, of Dell Rapids; and Daniel and his wife, Barbara, of Pipestone, MN; a daughter, Mrs. Jim (Heide) Welbig, Dell Rapids; a brother, Harold, of Portland, OR; a sister, Mrs. Irene Reedstrom, of Worthington, MN; and nine grandchildren.
Contributed on 3/13/12 by dellsfig68
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Record #: 153753