Walter W. “Wally” Arnold, age 79, passed away on January 26, 2022 at his home in Chelsea, MI surrounded by his family. He was born on August 28, 1942 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Walter W. and Mary (Bush) Arnold.
Wally was raised in Cleveland, OH. He attended Michigan State University followed by seminary and became an ordained minister. He served as Pastor for Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he baptized, confirmed, counseled, and married countless parishioners for nearly 30 years. He then served as an assistant to the Bishop of Southern Ohio where he continued to share his gifts helping other pastors and congregations.
After retirement, he moved to Chelsea, Michigan, where he served as a volunteer at Chelsea Community Hospital, served on the hospital Ethics Committee and became active at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Chelsea.
Wally was a nature lover. He loved spending time outside camping, hiking, traveling, and exploring God’s creation. He and Lynn enjoyed volunteering their time at camps and National Parks, sharing their love of nature with others.
He met his wife Marilynn “Lynn” Schmiege at Michi-Lu-Ca, a church camp in northern Michigan. They were married on June 29, 1968 in Kalamazoo, MI and then settled in Ann Arbor where they raised their children, Julie and Scott.
Wally is survived by his wife, Lynn, daughter, Julie (Adam) Tuttle of Chelsea, and son, Scott (Albie) Arnold of Dearborn; as well as cherished twin granddaughters, Zoe and Addison.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Arnold, and brother, Gary Arnold.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The family will receive friends at church on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
The family respectfully requests that all attendees wear a mask if they are able.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Wally may do so to campwestminster.com to support continued outdoor camping ministry in Michigan.
