John J. “Jake” Arntz

John J. Jake Arntz, a long-time Shelby resident, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2008, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he had been a resident of St. Ann’s Home the past 8 ? years.

With great sadness, family and friends say goodbye to Jake Arntz,
the youngest of seven children, born June 29, 1914 in Howenstine, Ohio, to Charles W. and Vandella (Harbert) Arntz. Jake graduated from St. Vincent’s College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and also completed the Advanced Management for Senior Executives Program at Sloan School, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He served in WWII with the U.S. Cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas.

He was employed at Ohio Seamless Tube/Copperweld Corp. where he was involved in the development, expansion and marketing of welded steel tube. Jake retired in June of 1979 as Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he was a charter member of the choir. He also served on parish council, and was instrumental in the restoration of the church and in building St. Mary School. He was a life member of Shelby Knights of Columbus Council #1968.

Shelby has benefited from Jake’s philosophy of giving to his community and church. He had a unique style of leadership and organizational talent for fundraising. Among the many projects for which he generously volunteered his time, talent and insight were the Shelby Red Cross, Shelby Memorial Hospital and the hospital’s doctor recruitment efforts, Shelby ‘Y’ Community Center, Pioneer Joint Vocational School, Boy Scouts, Shelby Planning Commission, Shelby reservoir and sewer system projects, therapeutic riding, local school levies, a new football stadium and numerous bond issues. Jake leaves a legacy of good works that have made Shelby a better place for everyone.

Oil painting was Jake’s hobby. He belonged to a local painting club who called themselves The World’s Worst Painters. They met regularly to critique each other’s paintings and just had lots of fun. He continued painting these past few years even though macular degeneration affected his eyesight. Many of his paintings are displayed in Shelby in the homes of friends and in other locations.

Jake was a devoted family man. For many summers, a Canadian fishing vacation at Lake Matinenda, Ontario, was an annual family gathering. He loved hunting with his brothers, sons and friends. He also enjoyed other outdoor activities such as berry picking and mushroom hunting.

Jake is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, John F. and Judi Arntz of Haines City, Florida and Thomas R. and Marianne Arntz of Grand Rapids, Michigan; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Sr. Mary Luke, SND of Chardon, Ohio; He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Rose Jane (Rollins) Arntz on January 2, 1997, and by five brothers, Bernard, Leo, Charles, Joseph, and Ben Arntz.

Friends may call on Thursday, February 28, 2008 from 5-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 29, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby with Father Nick Cunningham officiating. Father James Steinle will concelebrate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Memorial expressions may be made to the church.

The family would appreciate on-line condolences at

penwellturner.com