Sanford Dean ‘Sandy’ Arnold, 75, of Arizona, formerly of Sutherland, died Sunday, August 19, 2018, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Sanford was born September 15, 1942, in Sutherland to Leonard and Nora Catherine (Miller) Arnold. He grew up in Sutherland where he graduated from high school in 1961. Sandy enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 and served three years.
On December 12, 1964, Sandy was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Michele ‘Mike’ Flannigan, in Sutherland. Since he was still serving in the military, the couple lived in Schwabach, Germany for two years and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe during this time.
Following his discharge in January 1967 they returned to Sutherland and eventually moved into the Arnold family home in ’75. Sandy hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and worked until retiring as an engineer. He loved working and liked what he did. He was also a member of the Sutherland American Legion Otto V. Johnson Post #208.
Sandy and Mike were blessed with two children, Megan and Dana, and enjoyed over 39 years of marriage when Mike passed away in 2004. In 2010 Sandy moved to Arizona to be closer to his daughter, Megan. While in Arizona he was able to spend time and make lasting memories with his grandson, Braxton, which they both loved. Sandy had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his children, Megan (Michael) Wuertz, of Scottsdale, AZ, and Dana (Amber) Arnold, of The Woodlands, TX; grandchildren, Braxton Wuertz and Elleri, Eben and Emslie Arnold; sisters-in-law, Pat Echternkamp, of Seattle, WA, Judy (Larry) Sheppard, of Denver, CO, and Jane Patnaude, of Elk Point, SD; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.
Along with his wife, Mike, Sandy was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Nora; brother and sister-in-law, Vance and Marge Arnold; nephew, Don Arnold; and in-laws, James ‘Big Jim’ and Florence Flannigan.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2018, at the Sutherland Presbyterian Church with Vicar JA Welsh officiating. A private family inurnment with military honors will be in the Riverview Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.