Arnold Jay Friend

Arnold Jay Friend

February 12, 1926 – October 25, 2019

Arnold Jay Friend, 93, passed away on October 25, 2019, in Omaha.  He was born on February 12, 1926, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Rolla E. and Catherine M. Friend.

Arnold graduated from Sioux City East High School, Class of 1943.  Following graduation, he began college at Morningside College, as a member of the men’s basketball team.  He left college to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving during WWII.  After the war, he married Phyllis (Tielke), with whom he celebrated 64 years of marriage in June.  Always someone who finished what he started, Arnold eventually returned to college, earning his Bachelor of Science from Peru State College in 1980.

Arnold was a member of the American Legion.  He was also an avid card and billiards player, a bowler and horseshoe pitcher.  After a career in marketing research, Arnold devoted many hours to studying and playing chess, earning the title of Candidate Master at age 65.  Another hobby was making intricate stained glass lampshades, window hangings, and sun catchers.  He also spent many hours researching genealogy, eventually completing a family history that went back many, many generations.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Willis, and sisters, Carol and JoAnn.  Surviving in addition to his wife, Phyllis are his daughter, Robin (Larry) Brooks; son, Jeff (Gloria), and daughters Julie (Dan) McConnell and Melanie (Chris) Fox; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Private Services and Inurnment.  Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Heart Association.