Irwin Steven Arndt, 95, of Owatonna, died Thursday, December 12, 2024 in Owatonna.

He was born December 16, 1928 in Owatonna Township the youngest son of Herman and Francis (Benedict) Arndt. He was the youngest grandson of German immigrants Herman Sr. and Bertha (Rosin) Arndt. Irwin had seven brothers and six sisters. Irwin lived to be the oldest of all the Arndt family.

Irwin was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church and was baptized and confirmed at the old church on Oak Street in Owatonna.

Irwin is proceeded in death by his wife, Donna; son, Steve; grandson, Kyle; granddaughter, Amy; six sisters and seven brothers.

He is survived by sons, Daniel (Roxanne) Arndt, Kevin (Marian) Arndt, Ken (Stephanie) Arndt, Irwin (Becky) Arndt; daughters, Julie (Corky) Ebeling, Janet (Duane) Vike, Melanie (Doug) Wesely, Sara (Todd) Ellerbusch, Heidi (Jon) Coulter; daughter-in-law, Sharon Arndt; 21 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren and brother-in-law, Maynard (Judy) Johnson.

At the age of seven Irwin was thrown from a horse while herding cattle on his oldest brother Albert's farm near West Concord. Albert transported Irwin to the doctor in Owatonna that determined his arm should be amputated. Irwin's father Herman declined that advice and immediately transported him to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The Mayo brothers reconstructed Irwin's arm with pins and plates. Irwin went on to recover and his arm was normal. Hence Irwin's strong belief in the Mayo Clinic for any serious medical problems.

Irwin was a talented baseball and fast pitch softball player in his younger years. He played for the Owatonna Aces baseball team on Sundays and during the week played fast pitch softball for several teams including Mikes Bar. Irwin, his brothers and teammates won the MN State fastpitch softball championship in the late 1940's.

Irwin served in the US Army from 1949-1951 during the Korean conflict.

In 1950 Irwin married Donna Mae Johnson and started a family blessed with 10 children.

In 1955 Irwin and Donna purchased the farm that his sons, Steve and Ken, and grandson, Adam still farm. He was known to be a good farmer and Dairyman. Irwin's work ethic on a scale of 0 to 10 was a 15. He instilled this work ethic in all 10 of his children.

Irwin learned how to play the concertina on his own and became a talented player. In retirement he played old time music with his three piece band at many events including family celebrations, the Steele County Fair, and Octoberfest at St. John Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11am at St. John Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Leslie Riesling for all of her loving care and friendship.