Gary Lee Arnold Sr.

Gary Lee Arnold, Sr., age 63 of Thomson, Illinois, died suddenly on September 1, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at the York Community Congregational Church, Thomson, with Reverend Ruth Lyons officiating. Burial will take place in Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, September 9, 2013 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson. A memorial fund has been established in Gary’s memory.
Gary was born on May 9, 1950, the son of Earl and Theresa (Vroman) Arnold in Moline, Illinois. He attended Moline High School and graduated with the Class of 1968. After graduation, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served his country for four years as a Machinist Mate aboard the U.S.S. Sea Devil submarine. He married Sherry Lipe on May 13, 1968 and later married Edna Arnold on September 27, 1978.
Gary worked in maintenance for fifteen years at Carlon in Clinton, Iowa and for an additional thirteen years at Custom Pak, Clinton, before starting Arnold’s Bikes in 1999. Gary began Arnold’s Bikes out of his home garage, where he sold and repaired bicycles. Gary moved his bike shop to Main Street in Savanna, Illinois in March of 2001 and later moved his shop to Main Street in Thomson in 2007. He loved everything about bicycles, especially riding his recumbent bicycles. He enjoyed listening to music, playing his guitar and singing to his children. He also enjoyed watching martial art movies and spending time with his family and friends.
Gary will be dearly missed by three sons, Jeff (Robin) Melvin of Mokena, Illinois, Marty Melvin of Freeport, Illinois and Gary Arnold, Jr. of Thomson; four daughters, Nicole (Rick Hartley) Smith of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, Teri (Mike Schnitzler) Legel of Mt. Carroll, Brandy (Mike Childers) Arnold of Savanna and Amanda Wolfe of Fulton, Illinois; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one “adopted daughter”, Amber Johnston of Mt. Carroll; four brothers, Danny (Mary) Langfeldt of Seattle, Washington, Doug (Vicki) Langfeldt of Bettendorf, Iowa, Tim Langfeldt of the Quad Cities and Mike Langfeldt of Arizona and three aunts, Chris, Veronica and Joanne. Gary was preceded in death by his parents.