On January 26, 2024, Al (pop pop) Arnold passed away at home surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness. Although not ready to leave us, he knew his wife Donna was waiting for him on the other side. A reunion 15 years in the making. Al was 80 years old.
Al was born on March 18, 1943, and grew up with his parents and siblings in Doylestown Pennsylvania. Following high school, he served his country in the Navy. Years later, he met the love of his life, Donna. Al and Donna were married in 1974. Following the birth of their son, they moved from Pennsylvania to Townsend Montana where they had three more children, all girls.
Al was a gifted carpenter, woodworker, storyteller and father. You will find Al’s furniture designs scattered across the state of Montana to this day. Like Donna, his favorite things to do involved time with his family. Watching his children compete in sports, coaching youth baseball, weekend card games with friends, fishing and camping. His laugh! If you know, you know. Many kitchen tables and living rooms were filled with hours of endless entertainment listening to Al’s stories. They never got old. No matter how many times you had heard them before. He was giving to a fault. He gave even when he had nothing to give. He worked hard his entire life; until the day came, he no longer could. That day was well into his 70’s. A brief obituary could never capture his amazing life.
Al was preceded in death by his parents Edward Arnold and Mary Offner Arnold, wife Donna Arnold, sisters Margaret (Peggy) Hoyt, Marie Somp and Cyndi Cals. He is survived by sisters Alice Rowland and Debbie Higgins, brother Don Arnold and children Eric (Georgia) Arnold, Erin (Tyson) Sweat, Corrie (Doug) Held and Cyndi Arnold. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren. Will, Easton, Tessa and Katie Held; Emma and Jana Huffman; Michael Helmick, Ethan and AJ Osterhout; Brady, Natalie, Lilly and Maggie Arnold; and great grandchildren Kaedyn, Knox and Logan. He was Uncle Winnie to many nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the VA in Helena. Our dad felt so cared for while there and appreciated every person he encountered. The staff at Enhabit Home Health and Hospice of Helena. Especially Dana and Jessica. Dana saw us through one of the hardest times of our lives and we are forever grateful. Finally, Dr. Anderson at Benefis Healthcare who he thought the world of. The kindness of strangers allowed us to bring our dad home prior to his passing.
Cremation has already taken place. Al requested that he not have a service. His one request was granted. To be joined with Donna again. We will be celebrating his life later this summer.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please send contributions Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, 2827 Airport Rd, Suite A, Helena MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Dawny Dawny Dawny and “your” Steve says
Uncle Winnie- your crazy sense of unfiltered humor always brought a smile to the faces of those who loved you (& many do). That silly smirk and snicker will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of making your acquaintance . We love you and hope you feel at peace and are in Aunt Donna’s arms. A brand new hole is in my heart.