Theodore Arnold

Arnold , Theodore E. 10/15/1926 - 12/2/2020 Kalamazoo The long and happy life of "Too Tall" Ted Arnold has come to a peaceful end. Born October 15, 1926 to Theodore M. and Doris Arnold in Kalamazoo, Ted graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy near the end of World War II. He went to WMU on the GI Bill and became an accountant at KVP Sutherland Paper Company, retiring in 1988 from what had then become James River. Ted served on the Board of Directors for the original employee credit union at his company that is now part of Kalsee Credit Union. A hard worker, Ted often held two jobs, entertaining customers at the Corkscrew Party Store and Portage Plaza Beverage. A lifetime member of VFW Post #1527, he enjoyed bowling and golf and took up running in his 50s, competing in 5K runs. A lifelong Detroit Tigers baseball fan, he also loved to travel and he and his wife Rosie enjoyed many happy winters in Fort Myers, Florida. Ted was preceded in death by his son, Terry, in 1965 and by his beloved sister, Cynthia Pritchett of New York City, earlier this year. He is survived by Rosemary, his devoted wife of 67 years; daughters Randi Rae Arnold (James C. Schelb); Cindy Wengert (Rick); granddaughter Samantha Carbonell (Riley); two nieces and a nephew; two great-nieces and two great-nephews. The family offers special thanks to everyone at Plainwell Pines Nursing Home for providing compassionate care and personal attention to Ted over the last 14 months. Due to current restrictions, a private family service was held and a celebration of Ted's life and legacy will be held when a crowd can gather and toast his memory. Memorial donations can be directed to SPCA of Southwest Michigan, in honor of their loving cat Rex, or Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. To share a memory on Ted's personal webpage, please visit www.joldersma-klein.com.