Arnold Till, 70, of Camanche, Iowa left behind his hardships and suffering on April 7, 2020 as he reached for the hand of Jesus who welcomed him into heaven. Graveside services take place at 1 pm on Friday, May 8, at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. A visitation occurs from 2 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, May 7, at Lemke Funeral Homes - South Chapel (2610 Manufacturing Dr.). Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.
Named after both of his grandfathers, Arnie was born on March 29, 1950 at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa to Merlin and Gwendola (Steines) Till. Being the first born, he accepted the responsibility of “big brother” as he welcomed each of his 13 younger brothers and sisters into the family. He was a good role model of hard work and dependability for his siblings. Having been raised on a farm, he helped milk cows, bale hay, plant corn, and maintain the farm equipment. Arnie graduated from Andrew High School on May 16, 1969 and 2 days later reported to basic training. He and his good friend, Al Thole, both enlisted in the US Air Force the same day. He served as a structural jet mechanic at Udorn Royal Thai Air Base during the Vietnam War.
On November 14, 1981 Arnie married Sharon Dean at the Church of the Visitation in Camanche. They made their home in Camanche. Arnie was a loving, dedicated family man to their three children; Becky, Paula, and Peter. Arnie enjoyed making wooden lawn décor and working on lawn mowers. He never encountered a small engine he couldn’t repair. He had been employed with Caterpillar at Mt. Joy, International Paper in Clinton, Brazeway in DeWitt, Clinton Country Club, and most recently Valley Oaks in Clinton.
He also served on the Camanche Volunteer Fire Department from 1978 to 1989.
Sad to see him go, but happy that he no longer suffers is his wife, Sharon. His three children – Becky (Bill) Haley of Clinton, Paula (Tory) Ketelsen of Bryant, and Peter (Nicole) Till of Clinton. He was admired by 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Arnie is also survived by 7 brothers – Kenny (Karin) of Maquoketa, Cletus (Anna) of Springbrook, Allan (Karen) of Maquoketa, Steve (Lori) of Springbrook, Tom (JoDee) of Dyersville, Jeff of Bellevue, and Rick (Dawn) of Casselberry, FL. And 6 sisters – Barb (Loras) Deppe of Bellevue, Judy (John) Schaefer of Preston, Mary (Kevin) Rupp of Maquoketa, Diane (Gary) DeVilbiss of Ossian, Ruth (Terry) Beek of Bellevue, and Carolyn (Joe) Kilburg of Lisbon. Arnie is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, grandparents, and a choir of aunts and uncles, including a very special Uncle, Larry Steines, who passed away just six days before Arnie.
Memorials made can be directed to the family.
Fond memories and condolences for Arnold’s family may be shared at www.lemkefuneralhomes.com, obituary page.