Of La Crosse- Arnold Olin Swartz, Jr., 87, died Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11 AM at English Lutheran Church, La Crosse with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Arnold Olin Swartz, Jr., 87, a lifelong resident of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday March 27, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 11, 1922 in La Crosse to Arnold and Bernice (Ash) Swartz.

He married Janet Schildman on May 1, 1948 in La Crosse.

He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1941 and enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942. In 1943, Arnold boarded the SS Dorchester en route to St. John’s Harbor, Newfoundland.  Partway through his trip, Arnold and other Army Air Force members were transferred to another ship, miraculously escaping the devastating attack on the S.S. Dorchester that occurred only a few hours later. He was stationed in Newfoundland until 1945. 

Upon his return to La Crosse, Arnold became president and owner of the business started by his father in 1916, Swartz Office Supply. He retired and sold the business in 1983.

Arnold was an active member of the community. He was president of Badger State Sportsmen from 1952-1955 and instrumental in the creation of Goose Island Park; president of the State American Legion Convention Corp in 1976 and 1982; president of the La Crosse Curling Club; president of Friends of the Upper Mississippi Fishery Services; parade marshall for the State 40/8 American Legion Convention in 1991 and 1995; and active member of the V.F.W., American Legion Post 52, Ducks Unlimited, and Shriners Scottish Right Masonic Order.  He was instrumental in organizing the UWL Shrine Football game which raised funds for the Shrine Hospital.

Arnold was known for his witty humor, constant note taking, and passion for the outdoors, especially his cottage in Dresbach. He was an avid huntsman, fisherman, and golfer.

Arnold is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet; three daughters Jennifer (Bruce) Nordeen of Dresbach, MN,  Cathy Swartz of La Crosse, Laura (Joseph) Pryor of La Crosse; one son Arnold “Robin” (Stephanie) Swartz III of Dresbach, MN;  his grandchildren, Dr. Derek (Julie) Nordeen of La Crosse, Ann (Joel) Parker of Memphis, TN;  Lisa (Matt) Sterbenz of Salt Lake City, UT; Jeffrey (Amy) Sexauer of La Crosse; Melissa (Brian) Sexauer-Mlsna of Brownsville, MN; Lauren Swartz of Dresbach, MN; Kristin Swartz of Minneapolis, MN; and Andrew Pryor of La Crosse; and two great-grandchildren Olivia Sexauer and Berkeley Mlsna; one sister Jean Rennebohm, Madison, WI; brother-in-law Ray Sundet, La Crosse; several nieces and nephews; and many, many loved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth “Betty” Sundet, infant brother, and beloved dogs Danny, Dutchess, and Chipper.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be given to Gundersen Lutheran Hospice, Friends of the Upper Mississippi Fishery Services, and English Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank the wonderful team at Gundersen Lutheran, especially Hospice and Medical Oncology unit, and Hillview Nursing Home for all of their support over the years.

So long Arnie.  We’ll see you again.