John Arnost

MADISON- John Arnost passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 after a long battle with ALS. Prior to being diagnosed, John was able to enjoy nearly 82 years of good health.

John was born on September 23, 1932, in Menominee, MI to John and Eleanor (Hesyck) Arnost. In his early years he was the beneficiary of extraordinary efforts by parents and extended family members to ease his path in life.

He graduated from Menominee High School in 1951, where he participated in football and track. After briefly attending the University of Nebraska, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in November of 1952 and was honorably discharged in September of 1955. While in service, John attended the Army Language School at Monterey, CA as well as the University of California Far East Extension, while serving as a linguist in a communications intelligence unit in Korea in 1954-1955.

Following discharge in 1955, John returned to the University of Nebraska for one year before transferring to Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1959 with majors in Economics and Accounting.

On November 26, 1960, he married Suzanne Leinbach in Allen Park, MI and was fortunate to have enjoyed over 55 years of marital happiness. He was further blessed with two fine sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and two fine grandsons.

John felt his real wealth resided in family and friends. Getting together with family, whether in Madison, Plymouth, MN or Northern Wisconsin were always a top priority and special pleasure. In addition, he greatly enjoyed golfing (not good, but avid!) and meeting his long-time cronies. John's life was a life well lived, rich in the important things, with more than his share of good fortune.

Following employment with the federal government, John was associated with the former Houghton & Taplick CPA firm, after which he was a self-employed tax practitioner until full retirement in 2002.

John maintained an extensive library of music from the "Big Band" era, and enjoyed creating CD's for relatives and family.

As a native "Yooper", John's affection for the "UP" and Northern Wisconsin never waned, and he thoroughly enjoyed his frequent visits to those areas.

John was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nikki Landre.

He is survived by wife Sue; sons, Jim (Amy) of Plymouth, MN and Jack of Madison; and grandsons, John and Michael; along with a brother, Bill, of Wallace, MI.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Attic Angel and special thanks go to the people from Agrace HospiceCare for their excellent help. Together with Sue, they formed an elite team of care givers. Thanks also to friends, including old classmates, teammates, and army buddies who boosted morale by staying in touch during the difficult months.

An informal visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Agrace HospiceCare or the Wounded Warrior Projest are suggested.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434