Charles "Bud" J. Arnold

He was born August 8, 1936 in Eastport, MI. Known as “Bud”, he and his younger sister, Shirley, were raised by their mother, Hattie (Nicola) Arnold at the Arnold farm house on the north end of Torch Lake. Bud got his first truck at age 12 and went to work in local agriculture. He also did mowing, odd jobs, anything he could do to contribute as the man of the household. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his buddies, roaming the beaches of Grand Traverse Bay, tinkering with engines, and helping his many Aunts and Uncles work on their farms or in the woods. He graduated valedictorian of his class in 1954 from Ellsworth High School and received a 4H scholarship to attend Michigan State College. There he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering.

In 1956 he married the love of his life, Lou Ann Wilson from Central Lake. Soon after they moved to Dewitt MI where they raised their daughter, Julie, and lived the rest of their lives. Their extraordinary love story included traveling, enjoying family and friends, ballroom dancing to their daughter’s bands, reading for hours by the fireplace, and spending time up north. They were married for 66 happy years.

Known as Chuck Arnold while working at MDOT, he served the people of Michigan for 41 years. He began his career in 1954 as a rodman on a design survey crew. There he worked on the alignment survey for the south approach to the Mackinac Bridge. In later years he conducted research testing its structure, and the bridge always had a special place in his heart. He spent much of his career in the research and development area of MDOT where he held many positions. In 1992 he was promoted to Head Engineer of Design, the position from which he retired in 1997. He belonged to several international research engineering groups and enjoyed traveling and learning about the latest science and technologies in the world of transportation. He also consulted as an expert in the field for many years. Upon retirement, MDOT honored him by naming the Woodbury Road rest stop on I-69 after him.

He had many titles: Adored and devoted husband; Dependable advisor, protector and hero to his daughter; Historian of northern Michigan people, places, lore and legends; Lover of science, math, automobiles, ancient civilizations, and the old American west; Teller of jokes and stories; Closet poet; Masterful whistler; Lover of Strauss waltzes, Tchaikovsky, Hank Williams classics and cowboy songs; Voracious reader; Life-long friend; Mr Fix-it; A true Gentleman.

He built a life rich with friends, projects, music, love and laughter. He was a man with a beautiful baritone voice who loved to sing while his wife played piano. He took his little girl fishing and riding horses in WY and CO. He relished archeological discoveries and James Bond movies. Later in his life he explored his grandmother’s home town in The Netherlands and enjoyed the windmills and tulips of his heritage.

Charles was a man of great integrity who was curious, clever, kind, and compassionate with a witty sense of humor. He was unwavering in his love and devotion to his wife and daughter. He always made the best of whatever life dealt him, and he was sweet and cheerful to the end. He once told his daughter that when a preacher asked him if he was a Christian, he answered, “Don’t ask me……ask my neighbor.”

He is survived and terribly missed by his daughter, Julie Arnold Miller and son-in-law, Mark, special friend and caregiver, Debrah Gibbs, and many friends, cousins and his wife’s many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Ann, his sister, Shirley and brother-in-law, Mike Debelack, and his Mother, Hattie Arnold. A celebration of his life is being planned for later this year.

We ask you to consider donating to Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence in his memory, Hospiceoflansing.org. Click Ways to Give/Donate

We would like to acknowledge them for their limitless kindness and compassion.