Vance Miller Arnold, age 89, of North Platte, NE, formerly of Sutherland, NE, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at Linden Court.
Vance was born August 17, 1927, to Leonard and Nora Catherine Miller Arnold at Sutherland. He grew up in Sutherland and worked in the family business, Arnold Drug which was owned by his parents, and became interested in the business at an early age. He graduated from Sutherland High School in 1945 then served in the U.S. Navy during W.W.II.
Following his discharge in 1946, Vance returned to Sutherland to work for his parents and married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Maye Bierma, on June 13, 1948. The couple later moved to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska. After Marge received her teaching degree and Vance a business degree, they returned to Sutherland in 1951. Marge went on to teach and Vance again joined the Arnold Drug Company where he worked until retiring in 1998.
The couple raised four sons, Kent, Don, Greg and Jeff. Vance was very active in the Sutherland community where he served on various organizations and boards including the Chamber of Commerce, Fire Department, City Council, School Board and the Presbyterian Church. He and Marge loved dancing and were members of the Winter Dance Club for many years. They had been married for over 66 years when Marge passed away in 2015.
Vance was a great husband, father and grandfather and was proud to operate one of the finest Pharmacies and Variety Stores in Western Nebraska.
He leaves behind three sons, Kent (Katy) Arnold, of North Platte, Greg Arnold, of Elizabeth, CO, and Jeff (Kandyce) Arnold, of Fremont, NE; seven grandchildren, Bradford, Daniel, David, Steven and Kip Arnold, Vanessa Fanning and Sunny Karges; four step grandchildren, Jennifer, Nick, Diamond and Craig Beck; seven great-grandchildren, Broderick and Bristol Arnold, Harvey and Eliza Fanning, and Graham, Garrett and Leo Arnold; brother, Sanford ‘Sandy’ Arnold, of Phoenix, AZ; his niece, Megan Arnold Wuertz, and nephew, Dana Arnold; as well as other nieces, nephews and other family.
Along with his wife, Marge, Vance was preceded in death by their son, Don; his parents, Leonard and Nora; and sister-in-law, Michele ‘Mike’ Arnold.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016, at the Sutherland Presbyterian Church with Vicar JA Welsh officiating. Private family inurnment will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Sutherland Presbyterian Church.
It’s not a bad start.
