Benjamin “Ben” Jacob Arnhold, 76, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 16, 2019 at Russell Regional Hospital.
Ben was born January 7, 1943 in Hays, Kansas to Alexander and Marie (Schlageck) Arnhold. After birth they moved to Herington until Ben was 10 years old at which time the family moved to Russell, Kansas. He graduated from Russell High School and then attended Ft. Hays State University.
Ben was united in marriage to Shirley Krug on August 14, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell. This union was blessed with four children; Anthony, Angela, Lorraine and Alexander.
Ben served his country in the U.S. National Guard for 6 years and was activated from 1968 to 1969 at Ft. Hood Texas. After serving in the Army they returned to the Russell area.
Ben was an auto body technician and mechanic for the Arnhold Chevrolet Dealership in Russell for many years. Later in life he worked in the oil field for a few years and become a home painter. Afterword’s he become head of maintenance at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Ben retired from working early to care for his aging parents. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Russell American Legion. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, drag racing, hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, taking care of animals and researching the stock market.
Ben’s surviving family includes his wife of 54 years, Shirley of the home; daughter, Lorraine Kasten (Shawn) of White City, Kansas; sons, Anthony Arnhold (Lorri) of Trinidad, Colorado and Alexander Arnhold (Kendra) of Wichita, Kansas; sister, Roselyn Heckman (Jay) of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, Tonya Mincic (Matt), Todd Arnhold (Cheyenne), Jacob Kasten, Gavin Arnhold, Madison Arnhold and Ethan Arnhold; and four great grandchildren.
Ben was preceded in death by his infant daughter Angela Lynn Arnhold, his parents and his sister Charlotte Caywood. Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday, August 19, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with Knights of Columbus or St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.