Aug.
11, 1934 - Feb. 7, 2010MISHAWAKA - Lawrence J. Arndt, 75, of Mishawaka, died Sunday, February 7, 2010. Larry, as he was known to most, was born August 11, 1934, in Mishawaka, to the late George and Marie (Schnellbach) Arndt. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in South Bend. He served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves. Larry spent most of his career as a research technician at Wheelabrator-Frye in Mishawaka. He also worked several years for the Indiana Toll Road. On June 4, 1960, Larry married the love of his life, Sylvia Rybicki, who preceded him in death on February 18, 1998. Larry was a devoted husband, incredible father and loving grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his six children, Kevin Arndt of Mishawaka, George Arndt of Zionsville, IN, Christine Garringer of Kirklin, IN, Patricia Peck of Granger, Barbara Soria of Indianapolis and Nicholas Arndt of Mishawaka; his nine grandchildren, Chloe and Anna Arndt, Patrick and Isaac Garringer, Alexis Keller, Jack Peck, Sylvia, Elia and Mateo Soria. He very much enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Larry is also survived by his sisters, Virginia Hazinski and Rosemary Dlugosz, both of Mishawaka; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Sylvia, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Edward and George Arndt. Larry loved his faith and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He also belonged to the Democratic Club and the Wheelabrator Retirees. Larry was a fan of the Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame football. He was a Notre Dame football and athletics usher for over 35 years and rarely missed a game. He loved gardening and not a season went by without vegetables and flowers filling the yard. He never missed the opportunity for a good card game. Larry was a quiet but very kind and generous man. Those who knew him will always remember his humility, unique sense of quick-witted humor, integrity, and his devotion to his family and faith. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Friends may spend time with Larry's family Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 South Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Contributions in Larry's memory may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.