Ronald Lynn “Ron” Arndt, the son of Lawrence and Cecile Arndt, was born in Lake View, IA, on January 11, 1941, in his great-grandmother’s home. He and his family lived here with his great-grandmother during World War II.

    Ron’s education began when he enrolled for kindergarten in the Lake View town school. Following kindergarten, he attended a series of country schools through the seventh grade. He completed eighth grade through high school at the Lake View public school where he graduated with the class of 1959. He furthered his education at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Music Education major and a minor in History and Government. His first teaching job was in the Round Lake, MN public school system where he taught instrumental music. After one year, he moved to Sibley, IA, taking the position of instrumental music teacher (high school band) for four years. From there he relocated to Hartley, IA where he was an instrumental music teacher (band director) for a period of 25 years, after which time, he retired from teaching.

    Ron’s life was music - not only teaching but playing professionally as well. He loved playing in dance bands. He started playing dance music at the age of 14 when he played with the Kenny Brotherson Band in his hometown of Lake View. He played with other territory and show bands all over the Midwest until the dance band era ceased to exist. But the territory band that he was most proud of was the Tuxedo Junction Orchestra, organized by Ron and several of his musical friends. All in all, Ron had played in over 50 bands.

    Some of his fondest memories in the band business were when he had the opportunity to back up some famous entertainers of the time, such as Jim Nabors, Glen Campbell, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Red Skelton, and Bob Hope, as well as various members of the Lawrence Welk music family including Gail Farrell and Iowa native, Dick Dale. He also played a couple of times with the great trumpet player, Ray Anthony, and his band from Los Angeles, CA and backed up the well-known piano player, Roger Williams (who was also from Iowa). After he retired, Ron spent three winters in Arizona playing with the Sammy Jensen Orchestra led by his good friend, Irv Petersen. When the English Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, came to Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA, he played in a symphony orchestra accompanying a chorus which performed several selections in her honor. He also played in various concert bands, including the Spencer Municipal Band and 10 years with the Sioux City Municipal Band.

    After Ron became a resident of Community Memorial Health Center, the sounds of his trumpet playing could be heard in the hall. Friends who stopped by would often hear stories from his playing days as he loved to reminisce. He found joy in God, and in the many memories and opportunities which he had been given.

    On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Ron began playing his trumpet for all eternity; he was 85 years of age. There to welcome him home were his parents and grandparents.

    Keeping his memory close in heart are his brothers: William (Nancy) Arndt of Stewartville, MN and Larry (Pat) Arndt of Thornton, CO; Daughter in Spirit, Janelle (Dave) Patton of Hartley, IA; nieces, nephews and extended family: Steven, Amy, Aaron, Payton, Kristin, Lynne, Alora, Laryiah, Alex, Will, Sara, Lukas, Henry, Kenzie; as well as an ensemble of good friends and musical comrades he had known and inspired throughout his lifetime.