Arthur's Funeral Service

Arthur Herman William Gerndt, age 89 of New London, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.  Arthur was always proud of the fact that he was born October 16, 1932, on the day of his Grandparents' Golden Wedding Anniversary.  They were celebrating downstairs while he was born upstairs.  He was thankful that his parents, Herman and Elsie Daberkow taught him about Jesus, his Savior.  He was baptized on November 13, 1932, at Emanuel Lutheran Church and later attended Emanuel Lutheran Grade School.  He was confirmed in his faith on April 14, 1946.  Arthur attended Washington High School in New London, graduating in 1950.  From January 1952 until January 1956, he served his country in the US Navy.  While in service, he rode out two hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.  He always said that he knew how the disciples felt when the storms came upon the Sea of Galilee.  On July 13, 1963, he married Dianne Enter from Nicollet, MN, the second-grade school teacher at Emanuel.  He decided that he was going to make money until he was 30, then marry a tall, rich, school teacher.  They were married 58 years.  Arthur farmed with his brother, Clifford, north of New London for many years.  After Cliff retired, he farmed with his nephew, Lindon Gerndt.  Arthur retired in 1995.  His motto was: "If it ain't red, keep it in shed."  He always enjoyed feeding his animals. Arthur was an underground engineer at the Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery for many years.  After retirement, he listened to first and second-grade children read for 25 years at Emanuel and also worked at the Step Program at Sugar Bush Elementary.  He visited friends at Kindred Hearts.  Arthur enjoyed playing Sheepshead with his friends at Lathrop's Log Cabin for many years.  He was known for his large array of ties.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children, Roger (Gretchen Bennett), David (Sherry Taylor), and LuAnn (Alan) Young; his grandchildren, Jared Shadduck, Jessica Gerndt (fiancé Cody Hudson), Jacqueline (Ryan Greene), and Jayme Gerndt, Jacob Young and Justin Young (fiance' Morgan Schultz); step-grandchildren, Jeremy Bosquez and Kaylyn Taylor; great-grandchildren, Carmen, Chloe, Hunter, Mitchel, Emberly, Everly, Avaeda, Elodie, Bryton, Malachi, Zenoviarah, and Hudson.  He is also survived by special friends, Shelly (Dean) Birling, Derek, Samantha (Jacob), Sydney (Isaac), and Madelyn (Carter); his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ivan and Janine Enter, Nicollet, MN and his brother-in-law, Robert Leopold, Reedsburg, WI many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Elsie Gerndt; his mother and father-in-law, Harvey and Viola Enter; his brother and sister-in-law, Clifford and Jeannette Gerndt; his sister, Dorothy, who died of scarlet fever in fifth grade; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Leopold; his grandson, Jordan Ortner, and granddaughter, Jena Young.

The funeral service for Arthur will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. William Heiges officiating. Full military honors will be held at the church. The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Lebanon.

Arthur loved God, his family, and his country.  He always thought that any day above ground was a good day, but he is happier now that he has gone to his home in heaven.  In lieu of flowers, please direct your memorial contributions to one of Art's favorite charities- European Civilian Chaplaincy, Kingdom Workers, and Emanuel Lutheran Church.