Harry J. Arnold

Harry J Arnold 80 of Battle Creek passed away at home peacefully on Thursday May 2, 2024.   

He was born on September 2, 1943 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Fern and Marion (Arnold).  He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1961 and then moved to Florida where he worked for the Seaboard railroad.  When Harry heard the Kellogg Company was hiring, he moved back to Battle Creek, where he enjoyed working for the company for 41 years before retiring in 2005.  In retirement, Harry worked at Sunshine Toyota where he was able to see the country and spend time with good friends.  

Harry was a sports enthusiast and a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers. His annual trips to watch Nascar included the Indy 500 and Brickyard. He also had the privilege of attending the Kentucky Derby, Rose Bowl games, and the Super Bowl (Thank you Uncle Jer!).  

Harry cherished his 30 years of friendship with Dave and Cindy Bays which included many dinners and a yearly trip to Las Vegas.  

One of his favorite hobbies included gardening and he was proud of his shiny red tomatoes. He loved vacationing at the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula.  Riding quads, exploring the woods, and just having a fun time.  When possible, he also traveled to watch his Grandchildren play sports which entailed many southern trips.   

He is survived by his loving wife Sonya whom he married September 1, 1990, his children Tim and Lisa Arnold of Florida, stepchildren (who refer to Harry as the Best Step Dad Ever) Jaime (Tad) Kiessling, Brett (Mandi) Weiss, Michelle (John Byle), Wendi (Tony) Mitchell,  grandchildren Kodie (TJ Davis), Krista (Brad Gillett), AJ, Cole, Drew, Quinn, Sawyer, Addie, Ryder, Rehna, Emery, Zachary and Calista,  great-grandchildren Graham, Wells, and Callahan and two sisters Mrs. (Betty) Campbell and Mrs. Richard (Sally) Wingert. 

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Gary Arnold, and sisters Mrs. Stan (Barbara) Fleece and Mrs. William (Susie) Everett. 

Harry was a very kind and loving soul with a beautiful smile. He was the life of the party and loved playing Keno. Harry had many expressions, and the most often heard was “I am not tired.”  When Harry was told he was ready for Hospice Care, his comment was “God is waiting for me.”   He faced death with the same consideration for others that he faced life. 

Visitation will be Friday, May 10^th 4- 6pm and the Services will be on Saturday, May 11^th at 11am at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to Humane Society of Southwest Michigan.www.henryfuneralhome.org