Arnold C. Keuneke

Spanning nearly a century Arnold C. Keunekes life bore witness to times of tremendous trial and profound peace and prosperity. With a deeply rooted faith, a loving heart, and natural sense of fortitude, Arnold with his beloved family at his side, lived each moment fully. Arnold lived his life honorably serving family, country, and community. A resourceful, talented, and intelligent man, Arnold generously gave of his skills, concern, and support. He was a steadfast provider for his family and exceptionally proud grandfather. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

The 1920s were an age of dramatic social and political change. Post-war peace, a booming economy, rising wages for most Americans and falling consumer prices, resulted in a higher standard of living for most. Tremendous confidence, prosperity, and previously unknown comforts marked this roaring decade when a persons success was largely determined by their ability to identify their desires and then work to make them a reality. For Albert G. Keuneke and his wife Martha (Kiess) of Adams County, IN, this vibrant decade grew even brighter on February 4, 1920, when they welcomed their son Arnold into their hearts and home.

Arnolds story began with his fathers fateful journey as a crew member on a ship from Germany bound for South America. While on a scheduled stop in New York to refit the hull for transporting bananas WWI broke out and Albert was not allowed to leave the ship. After quite some time, he was eventually permitted to disembark the ship and go live with his brother in Cincinnati, Ohio. He soon found work on a farm in Adams County, Indiana and married the farmers daughter. Arnolds parents spoke German in their home and therefore so did Arnold and his brothers, Erwin, Hubert, and Marvin. Because German was his first language when Arnold began school he was seated next to the one student who spoke both German and English. This is how he learned to speak English.

Arnolds first years of education were in Adams and Allen Counties. He then moved to Van Wert and later graduated from the L. L. Cooke Electronics Technical School. On September 25, 1941, Arnold married his sweetheart, Louise E. Ensley of Ft. Wayne. Though he had vowed hed never marry a City Gal, and she vowed to never marry a Farmer the couples robust 64 years of marriage proved they were an undeniably good fit for one another.

Shortly after marrying, Arnold served in the U.S. Army from February 1942 through September 1945. During this time in WWII, Arnold served in the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, traveling throughout North Africa and Italy installing and repairing radar equipment. After Arnold returned from the war, he and his bride lovingly built their first home in Fort Wayne. Their home soon bustled with the sounds of four beautiful children; Ruth, Carl, Martha, and Patricia whom Arnold provided for by working as an electrician at Wayne Knitting Mill and later at Dana Corporation.

In 1954, Arnold and Louise moved to a farmstead in Whitley County and after moving, the family welcomed another child, Jane into their fold. In 1963 Arnold and his family built a new home on the farm they purchased. Arnold continued his career as an electrician over the next 23 years at Dana Corp., while also working as a livestock and grain farmer. Not only was Arnold a successful electrician and farmer, he was also a talented woodworker. Arnold thoroughly enjoyed the art, challenge, and craft of woodworking. Over the years he painstakingly built numerous Grandfather clocks, beautiful jewelry boxes, and a wide variety of decorative items for family and friends.

Without a doubt Arnold valued hard work. Equally so, he wisely understood the importance of enjoying the rewards of his labors. Arnold took particular pride in having visited 48 of our nations states. He treasured many memories of wonderful family vacations including a few cruises later in life. Most sweetly, Arnold acutely understood the important, magical power of good ice cream and made sure to have some every single day.

Timbercrest Retirement Community in North Manchester afforded Arnold tremendous comfort and care in his final years. He was deeply beloved by all of the employees and everyone seemed to know his name.

Arnolds children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons held him in the highest esteem. His legacy as an inspiring role model and provider, whose unfailing support provided a powerful foundation for each of them to build their lives upon, shall live on in each of their proud hearts and great lives.

Arnold C. Keuneke, age 97, of North Manchester, IN passed away at 11:55 pm Sunday, February 5, 2017.

Arnolds loving legacy will continue in the lives and hearts of his children, Ruth (David) Taisch, of Tavares, FL, Carl (Sherry) Keuneke, of South Whitley, Martha (Jim) Nutt, of North Manchester, Patricia (John) Snyder, of Antwerp, OH and Jane (Keith) Klemm, of Columbia City; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Eva Keuneke of Waterloo and Iona Keuneke of St. Marys, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louise Keuneke in 2005; brothers, Erwin, Hubert and Marvin Keuneke, and sister-in-law L. Louise Keuneke.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Arnold will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the funeral home, with his son in law, Pastor James Nutt officiating. He will be laid to rest following the service beside his wife at St. Peter German Lutheran Cemetery with military honors being rendered by the U.S. Army and Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions in memory of Arnold may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice or Timbercrest Senior Living (your donations will be divided among the staff). Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to sign the online guest register or to send a condolence.