LUNDELL, Arnold

Arnold Lundell, 87, a 40-year resident of Casa Grande, died peacefully on Dec. 23, 2005. Services and visitation were held at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 3424 N. 18th Ave. in Phoenix. Born in Kiron, Iowa, on Dec. 13, 1918, Mr. Lundell farmed with his family until he entered military service on June 11, 1942. He fought in World War II as a combat infantryman on the island of Peleliu with the 81st Infantry Division, 3rd Battalion of the 321st Infantry Regiment, known as the Wildcat Rangers. He was a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with a bronze battle star, Good Conduct Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge. He was proud to be a veteran and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, treasurer and lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and an active member and past commander of the American Legion. He was always ready to help a veteran in need. He met his bride, Marjorie Studnicka, through his sister Virginia, and they married in St. John's Church in Omaha in 1946. He moved his family from Iowa to Casa Grande in 1960, was a devout member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and an active volunteer in the community. He retired in 1983 after 30 years of government service and enjoyed many hobbies including music, art, vintage cars and antiques. He was an avid reader with many interests and played several musical instruments by ear. He overcame many service-related health obstacles in his lifetime and was the last surviving oncology patient of the original Mayo brothers of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by six children: Steve Lundell of Mesa, Margaret Friedrich of Ohio, Michael Lundell of Casa Grande, Alan Lundell of Show Low, Mary Lundell of Tempe and Melanie Lundell-Rash of Phoenix; a sister, Virginia Linman; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; The family suggests contributions to St. Gregory Church or Hospice of the Valley. For further information, contact Steve Rude, Northwest Mortuary, 602-266-8000. Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. Jan. 1, 2006