Donald Dean Arnold, Jr

Donald Dean Arnold, Jr., 71, of Ryan, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 23, 1951, in Manchester, the son of Donald and Shirley (Given) Arnold, Sr. Don was raised and educated in the Manchester area and graduated from West Delaware High School in 1969. In high school Don loved playing baseball, as well as singing and acting in the Drama Club. After graduation he played baseball for Ellsworth Community College.

Don was united in marriage to Sheri Westhoff at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester. The couple was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Scott. In Manchester, Don started his career at Fareway and also volunteered at the Manchester Fire Department. Don and Sheri were later divorced.  In 1995, Don was married to Beverly Owens in Sergeant Bluff until 2020. Don had a successful career at Fareway for 42 years where he made many lifelong friends and cherished his employees as if they were family.  Fareway gave Don the opportunity to work in many Iowa cities, including Manchester, Cherokee, Oskaloosa, Red Oak, Spencer, Hampton, Sergeant Bluff and Sioux City.  He was a prominent grocery manager in many of those stores.  After his retirement, Don spent time relaxing with his family, collecting antique records, listening to music and hanging out with his pug, Izzy.  In 2020, Don moved to Ryan as he loved the Manchester area.

Don loved baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals.  His knowledge of the game and Cardinals’ history was impeccable.  He was a passionate Iowa Hawkeye fan and loved old cars, particularly his 1958 Ford Thunderbird.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer (Jamie) Freeman of St. Louis; his two grandchildren, Anna and Owen Freeman; and his many relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Scott Arnold; and his sister, Pamela Arnold.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Don at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in the summer.   Details will be published in the Manchester Press and on leonard-mullerfh.com at a later date.  Donations in Don’s name can be made to the American Lung Association. 

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