JESSE ARNOLD DIES AT AGE 55

President of Oliver Union Suffered Heart Ailment

Jesse E. Arnold, longtime employee of the Oliver Corp. in South Bend and a leader in labor union activities, died at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Robert Long Hospital, Indianapolis. He was 55.

Mr. Arnold, who lived at 815 Pulaski St., had served as president of Oliver Local 1095, United Auto Workers, since 1953. He had been seriously ill with a heart ailment the last 10 months.

Mr. Arnold’s illness prevented him from taking an active part in the current negotiations for a new labor contract between Local 1095, representing hourly-rated plant workers here, and the Oliver management.

Employed as a toolmaker, Mr. Arnold began working for Oliver in South Bend in 1935. He worked mostly at the plant on Chapin St., but for a time in World War II was employed in a second plant on S. Walnut St.

Born In Wisconsin

Born On Jan. 14, 1909, in Eau Claire, Wis., Mr. Arnold came to South Bend 40 years ago. His marriage to Stella Wieczorek, who survives, took place Nov. 26, 1931, in St. Casimir’s Catholic Church.

Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Charmaine Zwierzynski and Mrs. Maureen DeMuth, both of South Bend; seven grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Ruby Shaffer, of South Bend.

Friends may call after 7 p.m. today in the St. Joseph Funeral Home. Services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday in St. Casimir’s Church, with Rev. George Szymanowski, officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Mr. Arnold was a member of the Wieprzowan Club. He had been a leader in influencing Oliver Workers to switch their labor union affiliation to the United Auto Workers after they were represented for many years by the former Farm Equipment Workers, once branded as a Communist dominated union.