Arnold A. "Arnie" Linke

Arnold A. "Arnie" Linke

Arnie Gram:

If you're reading this you know I've joined my parents Art and Sophie Linke, brother Wayne and his wife Helen Linke, youngest brother (and avid Detroit Tiger fan) Leonard Linke, sister Sylvia and her husband John Willett, grandson Austin Linke, father-in-law Jewell Boles, brother-in-law Walter Schuelke, and son-in-law George Lavdiotis. I was born September 27, 1923, so at the age of 96 (or 97 depending on how you look at this) it was apparently time!

I'm with my Harness Racing friends, my golf buddies, teaching friends, and WWII Navy buddies and many others who were waiting on me to join them. I've connected already with the best dog ever, Dewey, he's still full of play and Columbus the cat is on my lap!

In addition to my sister Myrna Schuelke and brother Arvid and (Laurie) Linke, I'll miss my three "Sweet Babes": sons Gary Linke, David and (Nanci) Linke, Larry and (Elizabeth) Linke, and daughter (Queenie) Lori and (George) Lavdiotis. Grandchildren Andy and (Jessica) Linke, Nick and (Chantal) Lavdiotis, Tony Lavdiotis, Dan, Austin (he's showing me around up here), and Aaron Linke, and granddaughter Kelly and (Bill) Lapham. Great Grandchildren: Avaline and Ash Lapham, Alyssa and Austin (by the way, he is honored to have a name sake) Lavdiotis, and Alexandra and Charlotte (twins) Linke.

Linda and I were blessed to have so many children in our lives. I'll be watching over everyone including John Rasey "grandson", Alex and Teone Toman, with "grandson" Ryker, and "grandchildren" Aubrianna, Nyonnah, Shane, and Shayonna. We also have a strong Church youth group family at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.

When I received my BS and MS from WMU and a Coordinating Certificate from MSU plus U of M, who knew that I'd end up at Battle Creek Public School as a devoted Bearcat for 36 years. I also taught at Kellogg Community College and Argubright Business College.

I was selected one of the Excellence in Education Teachers, served as a Cooperative Education Coordinator for 27 years, served as BC Education Association Representative and Vice President, Manager and Treasurer of the School Employees Credit Union, managed the BC Schools Teen Social Club for 23 years, sold tickets and worked crowd control for home football and basketball games for the Bearcats for 20 years.

I went on a Talons Out Flight trip to Washington, DC and had the best time. What a great experience that was and my son Gary met me there. All my sons and grandson Dan and "Ryker" were at the welcoming back event! Best feeling ever! All WWII Veterans should take the Talons Out Flight (and soon)!!!

I served as a Yeoman 2nd class in the Navy during WWII in the South Pacific. I wore my WWII hat everywhere I went and enjoyed when people stopped and talked to me about serving, (especially when they bought me breakfast).

One of Linda's and my greatest enjoyments together was watching our grandchildren, taking them places, attending events and functions, and seeing them grow up. We were also proud of the incorporation of Community Inclusive Recreation (CIR). Len is squealing with delight telling me all about it, as if I didn't already know! He likes to see his friends in so many community events knowing he started the whole thing. He tells everyone up here!

I was often asked, "What's your secret, Arn, for living so long, staying so young"? Well, let me tell you: "LAUGHTER". My philosophy was to find Humor in everything and everyone! Laugh your way through life, also eat plenty of ICE CREAM, add this secret ingredient to EVERYTHING you eat, including cereal and Belgian waffles (don't forget the grapes, strawberries, and whipped cream!). Surround yourself with people who make you laugh or try to make others laugh, it's good for your soul and you'll live longer! To answer your question about looking so young - marry a wife 35 years younger than yourself!!!

I understand I'll be placed at Fort Custer Cemetery. Very proud of that choice. This will take place sometime the first week of October with a private ceremony of both our families. Long-time friend, Pastor Dave Morton, will be officiating. We go way back and he knows just about everything there is to know about Linda and I.

I have been reunited with my Manistee Saints teammates (I figured that most of the "Saints" would be up here) and some of the Detroit Tiger barnstormers that we played against. Such as Virgil "Fire" Trucks, and Paul "Dizzy" Trout. Trucks told me that we have a double-header scheduled for tomorrow and that he is pitching the first game and I was called up to hurl the nightcap. It's going to be a packed stadium, but I'm ready! Play Ball!

I'm reading all the messages, didn't know we had so many friends, I guess a person has to live to be 97!

Keep praying, we're listening!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to CIR (Community Inclusive Recreation) or the Talons Out Honor Flight. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Arnie may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.