Obituary of Donald Chester Arnold

Donald Arnold, 91, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 26, 2018, with his family by his side.

Don was born on August 30, 1926, to the late Oswald and Elva Arnold.  Don was a member of the Niles High School Class of 1944, where he was an All-State Athlete.  He was a NHS member of the Hall of Fame and voted Best Athlete of his senior year.  He even took time out of his day to coach the 7^th and 8^th grade basketball team.  His love of sports carried over into adulthood.  He attended Purdue University on a football scholarship and was the state champion in the 880.  While in college Don was drafted into the United States Army where he served for two years.  He loved every sport there was and prided himself on excelling at all sports.  He bowled a 300, scored a hole-in-one in golf, was a member of the Niles Bowling Hall of Fame, and the last surviving member of Professional South Bend Tommie’s Softball Team. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Elk’s Lodge and the Moose Lodge.

On August 23, 1986, Don wed the love of his life, Norma Morris at a ceremony in Niles. Don spent much of his working years as a plasterer and after his retirement, he opened Don’s Bar in Union Pier. Don enjoyed the bar and sharing his stories with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Gayle Arnold; and sister-in-law, Mary Arnold.

Don is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Greg Arnold of Niles, Debbie (Tim) Bartak of Niles, Robert Katterheinrich of Edwardsburg, Randy Katterheinrich  of Edwardsburg, and Richard Katterheinrich of Edwardsburg; grandchildren, April (Troy) Meek, Rebecca (John) Medlin, and Michelle (Steve) Hubbard; great-grandchildren, Brendon, Kylie, Ava, Brayden, Bree, Braxton, Cory, Michael and Nathan; siblings, Norman Arnold of Niles, Dolores (Marion) Fuller of Niles, Dale (Freida) Arnold of Niles, and Duane (Karen) Arnold of Niles; and many extended family members and close friends.

Don’s family will be hosting a memorial service to celebrate his life at Wesley Methodist Church in Niles on August 6, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.