Michael James Arndt, “Mike”, age 78 of Watertown, MN passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. He was born on April 2, 1943 in Tyler, MN to Henry and Josephine Alvena Arndt.

Mike grew up in Russell, MN and graduated from Russell High School. He served in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged. After discharge from the military, Mike began his career as a carpenter and eventually started Mike Arndt Construction.  He continued his carpentry work to retirement and beyond.  When you drive through Delano and the surrounding countryside you can see various homes that were the product of his hard work.   He loved being outside; always working on projects. In retirement, he purchased a sawmill and began sawing his own lumber.  He also built his own wood kiln for drying the newly sawn boards.  His hands crafted many of the wood furnishings in the family home. “Mike was not one to sit still”.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Josephine Alvena Arndt; siblings Susan Washtock, Conrad Arndt, and Janice Lange. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane; children Sandy (Allen) Mortensen, Mary Arndt, Rebecca (Mike) Tollefsbol, and Brian (Launi) Arndt; 9 grandchildren Justin Giese, Kylie Tollefsbol, Ty Tollefsbol, Kayla Mortensen, Daric Stuhr, Brody Mortensen, Blake Tollefsbol, Toby Stuhr, and Zoey Arndt; brother Tom (Betty) Arndt; brothers-in-law John Washtock and Larry Lange; sister-in-law Iona Arndt; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life was at 1:00 p.m., Thursday 9/30/21 at the Montrose Community Center.