David Arndt

David “Ozzie” Arndt, age 84, formerly of Waldorf, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Laurel’s Peak in Mankato.

 

Born on September 22, 1941 in Waseca, Minnesota, he was the son of Elmer and Hazel (Taft) Arndt. He graduated from Waldorf-Pemberton High School in 1961. Ozzie was united in marriage to Judy Tesch on July 5, 1963 and together they were blessed with six children. Over the years Ozzie worked at several companies, including Herter’s, E.F. Johnson Co., in addition to Birds Eye and Green Giant. He also worked for several area farmers and delivered papers for the Mankato Free Press. In his younger years, he enjoyed snowmobiling and tractor pulls. He especially loved relaxing in his gazebo overlooking his hobby farm and pond and spending time with his family and attending various activities. He was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church in Waldorf.

 

He is survived by five children, Richard “Duke” (Jodie) Arndt of St. Clair, Steve (Cindy) Arndt of Mapleton, John Arndt of Nebraska, Paul Arndt of Janesville, and Susan (Mike Weiler) Cook of LeMars, IA; grandchildren, Bailey Arndt, Chelsea (Noah) Germo, Marissa (Evan) Masters, Lincoln (Jessi) Arndt, Blake (Logan) Arndt, Dylan (Kiera) Arndt, Taylor (Kyle) Cook, Mason (Maggie) Cook, Tanner (Jen) Cook, and Liberty Larson; great-grandchildren, Zoey, Kenzley, Grayson, Lane, Quinn, Isla, Gentry, Owen, Haddie, Myah, Olivia, Kai, Jewel, Cal and three on the way.  He is also survived by his sister, Delores Dierking of Medford; sisters-in-law, Irene Arndt of Gilbert, AZ, Karen Lang of Glencoe and Roxanne Tesch of Owatonna; and brother-in-law, Jerry Tesch of Le Sueur. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy; son, Brian; grandson, Carter; brother, Darold Arndt; brothers-in-law, Don Dierking, Wayne Tesch, and Mark Tesch.

 

Visitation was held on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. at the Janesville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation continued on Tuesday, one hour before services at the church.

 

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf. Burial followed at First Lutheran Cemetery.