Arnold E. Elliott, 76, passed away Saturday morning, July 18, 2020 at UP Health Systems in Marquette. He was a loving husband, father, and papa. Arnold was born December 11, 1943 in Wayne, MI to Kenneth and Dorothy Elliott and raised by his mother in the Clarkston, MI area.
Arnie graduated from Clarkson High School and attended Wayne State University while working for General Motors. He played high school hockey and later on a men’s league.
He married Candy Bouck on January 30, 1971. Together, they raised their 3 children: Jon, Melissa, and Jennifer. Arnie played many valued and meaningful roles and touched many lives while he was here, but first and foremost he was a devoted family man. He loved his family unequivocally and selflessly and received that same love back from them.
Arnie worked as an independent contractor while living in Goodrich, MI. In 1977, he moved his family to the Upper Peninsula to work as a union contractor with the Michigan Carpenter’s Union out of Marquette. In 1987, he fulfilled his dream of starting his own business by opening Astro U.P. Building Products in Rock. Astro is a thriving business today, operating on the beliefs and values that Arnie instilled. He enjoyed going up at noon for a hamburger and a visit with the staff and many wonderful customers and friends.
While living in Goodrich, Arnie coordinated and coached Little League. After becoming a Yooper, he was a 4-H leader for many years, especially known for his woodworking class and for leading the lamb club. He spent countless evenings in the yard helping his children, and later his grandchildren, prepare to show lambs and hogs at the UP State Fair. He was always willing to get in the truck to check out prized animals. Arnie was an avid fisherman and member of the Great Lakes Sports Fishing Club. He looked forward to deer hunting and playing cards at Rock Bottom hunting camp. Arnie regularly attended his children and grandchildren’s events, even taking in some baseball games the last weeks of his life.
Arnie shared many fond memories serving with his brothers in the Gladstone Lodge #396 Free and Accepted Masons. He worked his way through the chairs and served as Worshipful Master for 2 years. A few of his choice projects were the Youth Fishing Derby and the Child Identification Project. He was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church.
In addition to his loving wife Candy, he is survived by: his son Jon (Laura) Munger of White Lake, MI and 2 daughters: Melissa (Mark) Hanson of Rock, MI and Jennifer (Brett Jacobson) Bagwell of Rock, MI. Arnie has 7 grandchildren that adored him: Brittany, Ashley, Madison, Cassidy, Trevor, Carlee, and Austin.
In addition to Arnie’s Parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Delma.
A visitation will be held on Saturday August 1st from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM at the Faith Lutheran Church in Rock. The Gladstone Masonic Lodge #396 F. & A.M. will conduct services at 12:30 PM. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Rell Spickerman officiating. All services will take place in their outdoor tent area for the convenience of family and friends. A catered lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Gladstone Masonic Lodge #396 F. & A.M. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Elliott Family.
Bob Young - Sheridan , WY
To Candy, Jon, Jennifer and Melissa.
I am sorry to hear of the news, we had a few chats with Arnie about the type of cars and trucks we had, I learned a few things about home repairs from him, I guess the good lord need help with from another carpenter to finish his work. I am sorry for your loss.
Gods Speed Arnie.
john j freeman - atlas, 26
To Candy /Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I always liked to kid Arnie about his resemblance to Bob Villa. Both of whom I considered
to be very good craftsmen.
Wally - Rock, Mi
So sorry to hear about this news! My condolences to the family. I will miss his kind and friendly face! Thanks for helping when I needed it! RIP Arnie! Godspeed!
Kelly Florenski and Family - Spalding, Mi
We are so sorry for your loss. Arnie was a special man, I always enjoyed talking with him. He will truly be missed! Hugs and prayers to you all!
Mary Destrampe - New London, WI
To Candy,Jon,Melissa,Jennifer and family, My dearest and heartfelt condolences. I will always remember the great times our families had through 4-H and MidPen school functions. Arnie will certainly leave a void in the hearts of all that knew him. Sending big hugs and prayers to your family. Mary Destrampe and family.
Pete and Cindy Brock - Rapid River, Mi
To the loved ones of Arnie Elliot,
Pete and I were saddened to read of Arnie’s passing. We will never forget our daughters’ experiences in their 4-H lamb project under his leadership. We also highly respect his successful Astro business built in Rock. Pete worked in the school district and had much involvement with the Elliot family as I did working for MSU-Extension. Our sympathy is extended to Candy, Jon, Melissa and Jennifer and all the granchildren.
Al Thompson - Suttons Bay, Mi
My experience with you was short but helpful. Rest In Peace.
Robert Zwart - Hudsonville, MI
My deepest sympathy to Candy and family. Arnie was a great guy! The highlight of Spring was going up to the U.P. to turkey hunt. Arnie taught me how to turkey hunt. I always appreciated that he made the time to take my brother and I hunting. We appreciated Candy’s delicious meals, too.
Kelly (Vietzke) Kurpier - Escanaba, MI
My deepest sympathies to Candy and the family. Arnie will truly be missed. Fond memories at Masonic events especially the fishing derby. He is in Heaven fishing with my dad, Tom. Rest in peace Arnie, until we all meet again.
LeeAnn (Verbrigghe) Pratt - Escanaba, MI
Candy and family
I was so sorry to hear about Arnie. My heartfelt condolences.
Shortie Greenleaf - Punta Gorda, FL
So sorry to hear about Arnie. My heart goes out to you Candy and family.