Arnold, Donald 'Duckett'

Donald “Duckett” Arnold, 81, of Sioux City, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at a local care facility. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. March 17th at Oakland Cemetery in Manchester. Following the ceremony, please join the family at the American Legion for a celebration of Don's life at 11 a.m.

Son of Herman and Alice (Starebird) Arnold, Donald was born in Manchester, Iowa, on Oct. 30, 1930. He attended Manchester schools, graduating in 1948, at which time he joined the U.S. Navy. Don received an honorable discharge while serving at Annapolis Naval Air Base flying on PBY's. He then worked at Wilson's in Cedar Rapids and soon after began his long career as a lineman with Iowa Electric Light & Power in Manchester for 34 years, retiring at age 55. Don was married to Shirley Given in 1951 and lived in Manchester until 1997, when he relocated to Sioux City.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He loved to fish, hunt and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Don also loved the St. Louis Cardinals and was fortunate enough to attend World Series games with his family. His highlight as a Cardinal fan was dinner with Stan Musial and other baseball notables with his son Don Jr. after two World Series games.

After retirement, he enjoyed spending many pleasant years with his family and winters on South Padre Island, Texas. He loved to travel, enjoyed golf, Mexico, and the many friends and family who joined him through the years away from the Iowa winters.

Don felt his best times were spent with his son, wife and the many special trips with his grandchildren.

He was devoted to his family and admired by all his many nieces, nephews and close friends.

He is survived by his son, Don Jr. and wife Beverly of Sioux City; sister, Betty Jean Neuhaus; grandchildren, Jennifer Freeman (Jamie) and Scott Arnold; stepgranddaughters, Breanna Baldwin and Kelsey Montange (Levi); and five great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughter, Pamela; and siblings, Walt, Fred, Corinn, Virginia and Helen.

Memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of Siouxland, 4300 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City, IA 51104.

Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service, Sergeant Bluff.

Published Feb. 26, 2012 in The Gazette