Obituary: Arno Max Simon

Arno Max Simon passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan after an 8-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Arno was born in Maskow, Pommern, Germany (formerly Prussia) on March 5, 1936 to Minna (Tietz) and Richard Simon, the second child of twins. Soon after World War II ended, the family moved to Breman, Germany, and in 1952 the family immigrated to the United States and settled on a farm in Grass Lake, Michigan.

In 1963, Arno married his wife Mary (née Huls) and settled in Plainfield, Michigan. Together, they had a daughter in 1965. Arno was a machinist at Central Fibre in Chelsea and then at R&B Manufacturing in Hamburg, retiring in 1999. He attended Plainfield Methodist Church and helped with many of the monthly chicken dinners. He will be remembered for his craftsmanship and for his love of sweets, the Detroit Tigers and animals (especially his chickens and cats). In later years, he enjoyed being part of Gregory’s seniors, having lunch, and playing bingo with friends. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and doing puzzles.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, special twin sister, Asta, and her husband, Arnold Surdyk. Surviving are his loving daughter, Tammy (Bob) Caldwell, and his grandchildren, Ally, Bobby and Brandon Caldwell, step-children, Vicky (JB) Huff, Oakie (Shiela) Hays, and Darkus (Sonny) Robbins, all of Indiana, his niece and nephew, Debbie and Tony Surdyk.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the special ladies at Country Acres Adult Care Home. Your love and support has been invaluable during this challenging time.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, in lieu of public services, the family requests condolences be sent to Tammy Caldwell at P.O. Box 511, Holt, MI 48842. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.