Herman "John" Arndt

Herman John Arndt
December 26, 1937 – August 9, 2025

Herman John Arndt, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 87. Born a “late Christmas present” on December 26, 1937, to Herman Edward and Arnot (Butler) Arndt, he grew up in the family home southwest of Onawa in Franklin Township.

A funeral service in honor of John’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ute, Iowa with Reverend Nathan Peitsch, officiating. A recording of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with John's obituary. Burial will follow in the Onawa Cemetery, Onawa, Iowa with Military Honors provided by the United States Army and the David McNeill American Legion Post #129 of Onawa, Iowa. A visitation will be 6:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. Monday, August 11, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ute, Iowa with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

As a boy, John’s childhood was filled with adventure — from “running the Missouri River with Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett” (at least in spirit) to trapping gophers for ten cents apiece. Many of the history lessons he passed down to his children and grandchildren came from his time on the river and other adventures. This instilled an eternal love for history in them.

He attended Country School #7 through the eighth grade; a building now proudly displayed at the Kiwanis Museum Complex for future generations to see. During his time in country school, John wore a pair of corduroy pants to school in the winter. Unfortunately for him, he fell through an icy pond at recess and soaked these pants. Corduroy is known not to dry, so he was forced to sit in the back of the school wrapped in his teacher’s scarf while his britches hung out to dry by the wood stove. He never wore corduroy again.

During high school, John worked at the local farmers’ store for sixty cents an hour and helped on the family farm. He graduated from Onawa High School in 1956, then worked for the Agriculture Stabilization Commission scooping corn for a dollar an hour.

John loved roller skating and often helped at Nevin’s Skating Rink in Onawa — sometimes picking people up off the floor after they fell. It was there he met the love of his life, Ruby “Dolly” Docken. Dolly would purposely take a tumble just so the muscular, handsome John would scoop her up, a playful beginning to a lifelong love. In true adventurous fashion, John hitchhiked across the country while serving in the U.S. Army to marry her on July 4, 1960. They were married for 43 years.

He enlisted in 1959, serving proudly as an artillery coastal guard until his honorable discharge in 1965. Afterward, he furthered his education at WITCC to become a power lineman, beginning a 33-year career with the Ida County REC and later IPS/MidAmerican Energy, where he served as a power lineman, gas serviceman, and local manager. He retired in 2000 to his beloved farm, “Sleepy Hollow,” tucked away in the Loess Hills.

John loved the outdoors, enjoying the company of his loyal farm dog Bailey, and the simple pleasure of sharing a cup of coffee at the Beef ‘N Brew with the local “old timers” — eventually becoming one himself. He volunteered with the Charter Oak and Mapleton Fire Departments, served as a Boy Scout leader, and was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church for 40 years.

He is survived by a large and loving family, many dear friends, and countless memories that he treasured deeply.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Carl, Maurice, and Richard; his sister Julia; his wife Dolly; his son Johnny; and several beloved in-laws, Helen Butler, Kenny Butler, Willard Docken, Steven Docken, Patsy McArthur, and Monte Butler.

John believed in working hard — a value he instilled in his children and grandchildren — but also in the wisdom of his favorite Winnie the Pooh quote: “Doing nothing often leads to the very best of something.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to share a cup of coffee and a story with someone, in John’s honor.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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