In loving memory of

Ellsworth Leroy Arndt
August 10, 1925 - May 27, 2011


Ellsworth Leroy Arndt was born August 10, 1925, at his parent's home located in Springfield Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota. He was the youngest of seven children born to Emil and Lena (Hanefeld) Arndt, having five brothers and one sister. As a young boy he attended the Hunters School, District 7 Country School.

On December 9, 1945, he was united in marriage to Joyce Beverly Johnson at Bethany Lutheran Church near Bergen. After their marriage the young couple engaged in farming at several locations including Bingham Lake, Butterfield and west of Windom. In 1965 they moved to Bergen and farmed until retirement in 1987. Upon retirement they moved to Cottonwood Lake Drive in Windom. Joyce and Ellsworth enjoyed twenty-five winters together in Mesa, Arizona prior to her death in 2003.

On August 14, 2004 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Pillard at the American Lutheran Church, Windom, Minnesota. Windom continued to be their summer home and they wintered in Arizona until health issues recently prevented their traveling to Arizona.

Ellsworth passed away on Friday, May 27, 2011, at the age of 85 years, 9 months, 17 days. He was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Windom. He enjoyed his family and friends, camping, fishing over the years and his wood working hobbies which included the creation of more than 300 clocks.

Ellsworth was preceded in death by his parents, Emil & Lena; his wife, Joyce; his brothers and sister, Harold (Alma); Ruth (Michael) Wienzetl; Howard (Violet); Delmar (Irene); Mervin "Bud" (Edie); and Allen (Bernice) and is survived by his wife of seven years, Dorothy Arndt of Windom; one daughter, Deb Thompson and her husband, Steve of Park Rapids; two grandchildren, Matt Crissinger of Nelson, MN; Brandon Crissinger and his wife Michelle of Park Rapids, MN; two great grandchildren, Tyler James and Brayden Lee Crissinger, two step grandchildren, Debbie Thompson Hellkamp and her husband Mark of Park Rapids, MN; Stephanie Thompson of Telluride, CO; and one step great grandchild, Courtney Thompson, St Cloud, MN.

Blessed be the memory of Ellsworth Leroy Arndt.

Tributes

Missy Foight wrote on Jun 5, 2011:

"Debbie... I am sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He was a wonderful man. I enjoyed working with him. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and the family. "

Kristine Grunst wrote on Jun 4, 2011:

"The news of Ellsworth's passing came as quite a shock to me, as I had waved hello to him as he was riding his scooter down to his house a short time before I heard the news. I'm glad I had the chance to get to know him and care for him during my employment at Pineview (and to earn my label as the "cookie girl"). He was a good man, always more concerned with the well-being of those he loved than his own. My condolences go out to his family, especially Debbie and Dorothy. He always spoke about the two of you with adoration. "

Leah Bussa wrote on Jun 2, 2011:

"He was a sweet man and I'm glad I got to know him when I worked at Pine View a couple years ago. When I worked Saturday nights he would always ask me to help him pick out an outfit for church the next morning. He loved his cookies too:)"

Becky (Spielman) Brockberg wrote on Jun 2, 2011:

"My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Deb. It is never easy to say good-bye to someone you love so much. I will keep you in my prayers for comfort and a feeling of peace in your heart from our Lord. "

Tammy Stevens Axford wrote on Jun 1, 2011:

"Deb & Family, Our thoughts, prayers & sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. God's Blessings to you all. "

Sheryl Hokeness wrote on May 31, 2011:

"Dear Debbie and family, Ellsworth will be greatly missed at dialysis in Worthington. I have enjoyed getting to know him over the years. He thought the world of you and your boys. He talked about you often. We always liked hearing about his winters in AZ too. My thoughts are with you during this sad time . Sincerely, Sheryl Hokeness RN Dialysis Worthington"

Dave Borsgard and Stacy wrote on May 31, 2011:

"Deb and Steve, we were so shocked to hear of your dad's passing. We enjoyed visiting him at Pine View. We also have so many happy memories camping with he and Joyce all those summers. Take care."

Ashley wrote on May 31, 2011:

"JEllsworth was a great man. I enjoyed taking care of him at pine view. He was always happy to see my face and loved it when I brought my little girls in. He will be greatly missed!!!! And I hope he eats all the SWEETS that he wants!!!!! Haha My sympathy goes out to you all! "

Eric Johnson wrote on May 31, 2011:

"Everything I know about agriculture and farming I learned from Ellsworth. My father used to help Ellsworth out occasionally during harvest time and I used to ride along in the tractor and grain trucks on the way to the elevator. I also worked for Ellsworth when I was too young to have a "real" job, bean walking and picking rocks. I remember those days fondly, along with spending many a Christmas Eve at the farm, waiting for the adults to finish washing and drying the dishes so we could start opening gifts! Thank you for the memories and life lessons learned!"

Bruce and Bonnie Caldwell wrote on May 31, 2011:

"Deb and family So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. There will be a big hole in your heart that is Dad shaped now! Our sympathy and friendship, "

Cheryl Hochstein wrote on May 31, 2011:

"I didn't get to know my Uncle till later in my life, when I did he reminded me of my Dad in someways. Mostly the stubborn ways. Ha.. I am glad I got to know him more. He was very kind. We all know how he liked his parties. He planned a lot of them, not knowing how they would get done, but they always did. He liked having a good time, with his friends and family. He will be missed. Love, Cheryl"

Dulcie wrote on May 30, 2011:

"Ellsworth always made me smile!!"

Larry & Becky Stevens wrote on May 30, 2011:

"To Debbie & family: Our sympathies and love go out to you in your loss. We enjoyed visiting with your dad these last years about our common interest of winter life in AZ. We know how much he loved you and we also know how much you will miss him. God's blessings to you as you reflect on the memories of good times with him."

Bob & Joyce Carmichael wrote on May 30, 2011:

"Debbie and family our sympathy goes out to you. Bob and me will miss Ellsworth very much. Our great frindship will always be cherised."

Gary Vanderwerf wrote on May 30, 2011:

"I had the privilege of working with 4 of the Arndt brothers while I was ag loan officer at the bank. All were good farmers and good gentlemen. "

joyce carmichael wrote on May 30, 2011:

" Ellworth was a kind and loving person and was a true friend. I will,miss him very much."

Darris & Sharon wrote on May 29, 2011:

"Deb, Steve & Family I've only known your father a few months but sure had a great time with him - drinking coffee at MacDonalds, going to his home to have a cup of coffee and thinking about all the plans we'd made - an umbrella on his scooter, a trip to see the farm and the crops, homemade cinnamon rolls at his home and visits with him to see Dorothy. I will always remember how proud he was of you Deb and Steve, talking about his grand children, his farm, and many other things that left an impression on his life. My wife and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Darris & Sharon Snelling"

Ron and Karen wrote on May 29, 2011:

"Our sympathy, Debbie and family, Your dad was a good friend to us and we loved him dearly. Our consolation is that he, Joyce, Chet, and Vonnie are all together now and having a good time and playing that darn game Ellsworth loved to play and your mom loved to win."

Vern & Alice wrote on May 29, 2011:

"We will and are missing our dear friend, Ellsworth. Our many years of friendship will be a cherished treasure of our future. Deb, Steve and family know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know of anything we can do to help and honor our very special friend."

Debbie wrote on May 28, 2011:

"To my father, my friend! Luv you much!"