Richard P. Arnst

RICHARD P. ARNST May 15, 1947 – October 29, 2022 Richard P. Arnst passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 29, 2022, after a valiant fight with cancer. A lifelong resident of Saginaw, Rick was born on May 15, 1947, to Oscar and Irene (Riedlinger) Arnst. Rick was a man of faith, who was baptized into the Lutheran Church on June 22, 1947, and confirmed on Palm Sunday, March 26, 1961, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. For the past 42 years, he has been a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. His love and support for the Church was inspiring. Rick did it all from picking up popcorn boxes at the Twilight Drive-In Theater at 7:00 AM on Sunday mornings in preparation for the 8:00 AM Church Service to delivering Poinsettias to shut-ins during the Christmas season. Rick served as an elder, an usher, a church council member, a committee Chairman and a major supporter of the ladies quilting group. Also, Rick served as the Chairman for the Lift High the Cross Balloon Rally held at Good Shepherd and as one of the Chairman for the church’s 50th anniversary celebration. Rick was a member of Arthur Hill’s High School graduation class of 1965. He went on to graduate from Michigan State University and was a lifelong supporter of the Spartan Football and Basketball Teams – GO GREEN! After college, Rick willingly answered his country’s call and proudly served in the US Army’s First Infantry Division – The Big Red One. Rick served as the Chief Administrative Clerk for The Command Section of the First Infantry Division Forward. Rick quickly moved through the ranks to become a Sergeant and was later transferred to a position on the Commanding General’s Staff. When his tour of duty ended, he was awarded the “Army Accommodation Medal” for distinguishing himself through meritorious service. Rick had a very successful business career as a directing Manager with AT&T/Ameritech. He managed the operations of the Consumer Services Division as the Director of Sales for Northern Michigan. Rick and his team administered call centers in Saginaw, Bay City, Traverse City and Marquette. Rick was an Ameritech Circle of Excellence award recipient for achieving outstanding results. A well respected leader, he was a mentor and friend to all his employees and remained in close contact with many long after his retirement. Rick was dedicated to his family, friends and community. Rick demonstrated his commitment to family by serving for many years as the main caregiver for both his Mother and his Aunt Marilyn Riedlinger. Rick’s generosity was limitless and while never seeking recognition, he was selfless in his good works. Rick was a longtime supporter of local agencies that helped the less fortunate. He served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Saginaw County United Way for 9 years. Rick was most proud of his membership in the Saginaw Northwest Kiwanis. This past February marked 39 years’ service. He was Past President, member of the Board of Directors and was named Kiwanian of the Year on three occasions with the most recent honor in 2022. Rick enjoyed the weekly luncheons with the guys and gals of Kiwanis. He took great pride in the club’s rich history of accomplishments toward advancing the objects of Kiwanis and building a better community. Rick inherited from his father the ability to tell a good joke and share a humorous story. If you were blessed to be a friend of Rick, you knew how he could brighten your day listening to his stories. A friend once said, “Rick could make a five minute story last much longer, but when he finished you wished it hadn’t ended so soon.” Looking back at those times and remembering Rick’s wonderful sense of humor will always bring a smile to your face. Left to treasure his memory are his sister – Betty Ette, his sister-in-law Leslee Arnst, 4 God children and 7 nieces and nephews. Rick was blessed with 3 additional generations of nieces and nephews who knew him as their “Uncle Rick.” Also, Rick had several close cousins and a number of close friends. The family would like to thank William Riedlinger who is a close cousin along with Jim and Bev Sexton, two of Rick’s close friends, for the daily support and encouragement they provided. Rick was welcomed home to heaven by his parents – Oscar and Irene Arnst, his brother – Gerald Arnst, his brother-in-law – Ronald Ette, along with a number of his other relatives and some very close friends. There are certain people who, without even knowing it, make this world a little brighter and a littler nicer. Rick was one of those special people. A service celebrating Rick’s life will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5335 Brockway Road, Saginaw Twp. The Deacon Jeff Rauschert will officiate with burial in the Arnst Family plot at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at Wakeman Funeral Home, 1218 N. Michigan Avenue from 2:00PM until 8:00PM on Monday, November 7, 2022, then at the church on Tuesday, from 10:00AM until the time of the 11:00AM service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Prayer Garden. Memories and sympathies of Rick may be shared with the family on his memorial website at wakemanfuneralhome.com

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Richard P. Arnst

May 15, 1947 - October 29, 2022