Wayne Arnold, 87, of David City, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Villa in David City. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, in David City with Rev. Daniel Spearow officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30-10:30 A.M. Committal with Military Honors at the David City Cemetery with lunch in church basement following committal. In lieu of flowers, plants and statues, memorials can be made in care of the family for future designation. Kracl Funeral Chapel of David City in charge of arrangements.
Wayne was Born in Grand Island, NE, in 1935. He was the oldest child of Bert and Clara Arnold. He grew up in Minden, Nebraska where he enjoyed playing sports and lifeguarding at the local pool. He watched over his family in every way that he could. He looked out for his brother Dan and his little sister Patti.
As an outstanding high school athlete, Wayne was selected to the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame. He played basketball for Coach Aldie Johnson’s Minden Whippets. He was part of the Dominant Dynasties teams of the 1950’s. After graduation he attended Hastings College where he was inducted into the Hastings College Football Hall of Fame and crowned homecoming king his senior year.
Wayne was one of only handful of Nebraska high school coaches to win multiple state football championships at different schools. While at Wisner High school, he led them to multiple conference championships and the state championship in 1964.
While at Wisner, he met the love of his life Marilyn, also a teacher at Wisner. They were inseparable for next 59 years.
In 1968, Mike was born and the family moved to David City. Wayne became head football coach and taught history. Later he earned his Master’s Degree from Wayne State College. In 1973, a second son, Jeff, was born and Wayne became David City’s guidance counselor for the next 28 years.
Recently he was named to the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of fame for a second time, as the head football coach of the Golden Anniversary David City High School State Championship team of 1971.
During the summers Wayne enjoyed planting a large garden. He loved sharing a variety of veggies with others. He also enjoyed canning fresh tomatoes.
Wayne enjoyed raising all sorts of animals in his free time. We had rabbits, pigeons, chinchillas, canaries and dachshunds in and out of the house. He enjoyed going to auctions about every weekend. One dad’s treasure is another mom’s junk.
He loved watching sports and activities. Wayne and Marilyn followed and supported their boys throughout their entire high school and college careers. They never missed a game or an activity. They continued this support by watching their grandkids every chance they got.
Special thanks to our neighbors -Bella, Harlow, Tif and Dustin for all your help looking out for mom and dad. Especially the beautiful artwork that appeared on the porch and driveway, the kind notes and the suckers that dad so enjoyed!
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of David City, two sons, Mike (Lucy) Arnold of La Vista and Jeff (Lori) Arnold of Springfield, a sister Patti (Larry) Nippert of Lincoln, five grandchildren; Caden and Evan (Emma) and Tessa Arnold, Brodin and Xander Arnold and sister-in-law Ruth Arnold of Ashland. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dan Arnold.
