Arnold 'Arnie' M. Weisbrod

Arnold M. Weisbrod, 89, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2009. He was born in the Town of Hull in North Central Wisconsin on December 10, 1919, the son of the late Joseph and Rosalia (nee: Suplicki) Weisbrod.

He was educated at Pulaski School and then worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps and as a farmhand in the area. He served his country with the U.S. Army 135th Medical Regiment. Arnold came to Racine as a young man in search of work.

On September 25, 1943, in St. Stanislaus Church in Racine, he was united in marriage to Wanda S. Czosnek. He and “Nana” shared their love and life for over 52 years until her passing on May 30, 1996.

He was a member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, the City of Racine 20-Year Club and Local 67 AFSCME serving as steward for many years. He worked at Mound & Graceland Cemeteries for 34 years before his retirement in 1982.

He enjoyed yard work, fishing, hunting, camping, bowling, softball, working on small engines and car repair, cars (especially black ones), stock car racing, a good joke, and just being outdoors. He also enjoyed golfing, and although he didn’t do it often, like most of his hobbies, he was a natural. At the age of 87 he fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking laps around the Milwaukee Mile in a Nextel Cup car. But what he enjoyed most is spending time with his family. He lived a simple life taking pride in ownership and teaching his family to take care of what they own.

He was a gifted storyteller and shared the history of his life growing up on a farm with his great-grandchildren in their respective schools. He was a wealth of knowledge and an invaluable resource to author Margo Drummond while she gathered history about Mound Cemetery. He was always there to lend a helping hand, whether to fix something – he could repair anything , lend an ear or visit a friend or relative in a hospital or nursing home. He had friends of all ages. He was a dedicated husband and father and a playful Grandpa and Dzia-Dzia who lit up a room with the twinkle in his bright blue eyes.

Surviving are his beloved daughters, Marilyn Allen of Seattle, WA, Shirley (Dale) Gayhart, and Arlene (Gary) Minton all of Racine; cherished grandchildren, Gretchen Gayhart, Michael Allen, Gwen (Scott) Nelson, Russ Minton, Nick Allen, and Heather Allen; precious great-grandchildren, Emma and Everett Nelson; brother, Clarence (Ramona) Weisbrod of Stevens Point; and sister-in-law, Theresa Weisbrod of Oak Lawn, IL. Many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends further survive him. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law Sam Allen Jr., brothers, Leo (Sophie), Chet, Ed (Mary), Emeryk (Helen), and Joe (Mildred); sisters, Monica (Tony) Formella, Alicia Weisbrod, and special friend Jean Marcinek.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., on Friday, February 13, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and in the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Internment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to St. Lucy’s Church in his name would be appreciated.

Arnie’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Robert Brown and his nurses, Lindsay, Terry and Ruth, for the excellent care and patience, to Dr. Ranga Sriram and his staff for keeping his loving heart beating, to Jackie in the Pacemaker Clinic for her sincere concern, to his caregivers from Society’s Assets for their kindness and friendship, to Dr. Agron Ismaili and the second floor staff at Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore Hospital for helping him and the family through a difficult time by renewing our confidence and trust in the healthcare system, and finally Dr. Rajendar Rathour, Jane Cerra, Mary Peterson and the entire staff at Select Specialty Hospital for their respect, compassion and exceptional care in his final days.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 262-552-9000