- Date Of Birth: February 22, 1952
- Date Of Death: March 8, 2022
- State: Wisconsin
Thomas L. Arnold, age 70, of Plover, WI passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at his residence following a courageous battle with ALS.
Tom was born on February 22, 1952 in Wisconsin Rapids to Larry and Theresa “Tess” (Wirtz) Arnold. He had five older sisters and seven younger brothers. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1970 and earned a degree in Real Estate from Mid-State Technical College and a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Madison Area Technical College.
Tom married his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline “Jackie” Hentges on September 4, 1976 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. They enjoyed 46 years of adventure together and traveled to Italy, Israel and to South Korea on a family trip with the adoption group.
Tom served his community on the Wood County Board and Grand Rapids Town Board. He was a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Optimist Club for many years and lived their motto “Friend of Youth”. He taught CCD, coached soccer and basketball, was a Big Brother to two boys, and gave out educational scholarships. When children were present Tom had a way of connecting with them.
He developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. There was a spring in his step when he was heading out the door with his bow or fishing pole. Tom passed that sense of adventure to his children and took them camping and on many fishing trips to Canada. Tom joined his brother, Patrick, for a yearly bow hunting trip for elk in the mountains of Colorado for 30 years and took up fishing in Alaska the last few years.
Tom worked hard but made sure he always had time for his family. He found joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was free with advice and was the confidant of many. Until his last day, he put the needs of others above his own.
The driving force behind all of Tom’s endeavors was his strong belief in God and desire to be a kind and compassionate person trying to live out the gospel in a difficult world. He faced the challenges of ALS with faith, grace, humility and dignity. He had his DNR bracelet engraved “Going to See the King”. Tom will be truly missed and his impact will be felt for generations.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline; children: Timothy (Amber) Arnold, Gregory Arnold, and Lindsey (Adam) Petasek; grandchildren: Oliver, Connor, Olivia, and Chance; brothers: Glen, Chuck (Sarah), Daniel (Pati), Kevin, Patrick (Sheryl), and Brian (Julie) Arnold; sisters: Paula (Loren) Evenson, Amy Somers, and Deborah (Ken) Micholic; mother-in-law, Deloris Hentges; and sisters-in-law: Delain Arnold, Gerry North, Kathleen (Dale) Pierce, Kim Hentges, and Colette (Tom) Altmann. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Kathy Schara and Jane Dashner; brother, Craig Arnold; brothers-in-law: Russ Schara, Thomas Dashner, and Harry North; sisters-in-law Roberta Arnold and Colleen Denniston; and father-in-law, Gerald Hentges.
