Gerald D Arnett

Gerald “Dean” Arnett, age 85 of Belding, passed away peacefully in the arms of the Lord at Spectrum United Hospital on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 with his family at his side.

Dean was born at home in rural Mecosta County on September 21, 1932 to Kelson N. and Sallie Arnett.  He was the seventh child in a family of ten children (5 boys and 5 girls)

Dean was very proud in serving his country as a Sergeant (T) in the US Army, 1953-1956 stationed in Berlin, Germany. Prior to deporting to Germany, Dean obtained a short leave to marry his childhood sweetheart and the absolute “Love of His Life” Joyce Ann Coston on April 16, 1955. The couple was reunited again in Berlin where they were able to experience a chance of a lifetime.  When Dean completed his service, they returned together to via a military ship, porting in to New York through Ellis Island.

Dean and Joyce celebrated 58 years of marriage together with four children.  Dean was employed at Electrolux (Gibsons) in Belding as a Forman many years and retired when the plant shut down in the late 80’s.  However, he continued to work at Fintech another 10 years.

Dean had a great love of family, a quiet dry sense of humour like none other, loved to sing and whistle gospel songs, was a wonderful father and a true patriot to his county.

Dean is preceded in death by his wife Joyce on April 19, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, sisters Edith Arnett, Thelma Rose, and Maxine Stowe, brothers Kelson Jr., Harold (Ted), James, and Jerry Arnett.

Dean is loved and will be greatly missed by his children: Gerald “Jerry” Arnett of Belding, Kathy (Joseph) Kilduff of Long Lake, Jamie Arnett (Terry Tuthill) of Belding, Troy (Christine) Arnett of Brinscall, England, grandchildren: Jenny, Shelly, and Matt, great-grandchildren Grace and Kathryn, very caring and devoted family friends Carman McNinch-Hamblin and Regina Patterson.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding with Pastor Ken Harger officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Memorials may be given to the B Foundation. 

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