Jay H. Arnold

ANTHON, Iowa -- Jay Harris Arnold, 78, of Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Anthon, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, in Sioux Falls.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Armstrong Funeral Home in Anthon, with the Rev. Vickie Steffes officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be noon until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Additional arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City.

Jay, the son of John Henry and Mabel (Coyle) Arnold, was born Oct. 28, 1930, in rural Anthon. He grew up in the rural Anthon area prior to joining the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

He married Lou Ann Heath on Sept. 5, 1953. He lived most of his adult life in Pierson, Iowa, prior to his retirement from Pierson Elevator. Together, they had seven children.

Everyone will agree that his passions were fishing, dancing and watching his kids and grandkids at sporting events and other activities. If he wasn't working or sleeping, chances are you would find him at a local fishing hole, a dance hall or at the ball park.

Grateful for sharing his life were his children, Randy (Mary) Arnold of Sioux Falls, Rhonda Arnold of Minneapolis, Rick Arnold of Sioux City, Rita (Jack) Harrison of Sloan, Iowa, Robert (Julie) Arnold of Sioux Falls and Rochelle (Steve) Reiter of Remsen, Iowa; and his grandchildren, Rachael (Mike) Wilmeth, Emily (Steven) Earnest, Sarah Arnold, Melissa Arnold, Jeff Harrison, Jackie (Clyde) Soappman, Jordan Arnold, Miranda Arnold, Cody Wilson, Nathan Reiter and Katelynn Reiter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Hazel, Ruth, Madge and Elsie; a brother, John Henry; and a son, Ronald.