Raymond “Ray” Charles Arndt, 86, of Kalamazoo, began eternal life on March 27, 2022, in Hobe Sound, FL. Ray was born Dec. 15, 1935, in Madison, WI, the son of Frank Arndt and Helen (Feeney) Arndt.
Ray attended St. Raphael’s Catholic School (K-8) and was an altar boy. He graduated in 1953 from Madison Central High School, where he played basketball for three years, and in his senior year was Honorable Mention All American in basketball. Ray attended Western Michigan University (WMU) from 1953 to 1957, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also enhanced his formal education by earning two master’s degrees at WMU. Beginning in 1957, Ray served as a coach and teacher at Mattawan Consolidated School, and after five years, in 1962, he moved to Parchment High School where he was a guidance counselor, athletic director, and freshman basketball coach over a period of 25 years. He retired in 1987 to continue his work as a guidance counselor in sunny Palm Beach, FL. It was Ray’s proudest career accomplishment to help students with their educational and personal endeavors. Ray was seen as fun-loving and gregarious, often the “life of the party.” He had a warm and genuine compassion for others. His favorite “happy” place was in Florida where he could enjoy the sunshine, jazz festivals by the water, and a round of golf.
Ray is survived by his first wife, Constance Segal; and their children, Todd (Nancy) Arndt, Debra (Daryl) DeVries, and Tamara (William) Schafhauser; his seven grandchildren, Andrew Arndt, Austin Arndt, Lisa Thompson, Davis DeVries, Meredith DeVries, Mitchell Schafhauser, and Harrison Schafhauser; and two great-grandchildren. Ray is further survived by his brother, Richard (Jean) Arndt; and their children, Mindy (Brian) Hensen, Amy (Chad) Hamann, and Mike (Christine) Arndt.
Preceding him in death were his wives, Connie (Longshore) Arndt, in 2010, and Kathleen (Brooks) Arndt in 2021. Ray was seen as a father by his step-children, Scott (Evie) Longshore, Kim (Fred) Allen, and Kelly (Steve Essex) Schincariol; as well as a grandfather to their children. He is also survived by the children and family of Kathleen Brooks Arndt, Robin (Robert) Farrell, Virginia Parnell, and Tim (Leila Sehat) Brooks.
There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, June 27, at Heritage Glen Golf Club, 29795 Heritage Lane, Paw Paw, a place where the family first celebrated Ray and Kathy’s marriage. In Ray’s honor, the gathering will begin with a private family round of golf, followed by an open house at Heritage Glen Clubhouse from noon to 3 p.m. Buffet lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with special remarks at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Raymond Arndt’s name to your local school pantry/educational scholarship fund or local hospice.
Visit Ray’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook.
Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.
