Milton was born January 13, 1933, to Bertha (Kappler) and Bernard (Ben) Arldt in Serbin, Texas. He was baptized January 22, 1933, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin, Texas and confirmed March 30, 1947, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Manheim, Texas. On August 17, 1957, he married the love of his life, Marjorie Ann Neitsch at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg, Texas.
After graduating from the 7th grade at Ebenezer Lutheran School, Milton helped his parents work on the farm in Manheim before he was drafted by the United States Army. He served in Erlangen, Germany from May 1953, until April 1955, during the Korean War. He received a Good Conduct Medal for his excellent character and superior efficiency, as well as an Education Certificate, indicating his completion of the 8th grade. After just a year of service, he was promoted to Corporal. After his honorable discharge, he continued his military service with the U.S. Army Reserve until April 1961. After returning to civilian life, Milton worked many years for: as a route salesman for Superior Dairies, as a salesman for Tom’s Peanuts working for Charles Thoene, as an auto parts manager for Ray’s Garage, and finally, owned and operated Midway Auto Supply in Pflugerville with his wife, Marjorie, from 1976 until their retirement in 1998. In retirement, he loved gardening, driving the tractor, farming, and gambling trips with Marjorie! Additionally, he volunteered as an usher at Zion Lutheran Church, assisted with tabulating church offering/contributions, and contributed greatly to the long-time tradition of Wurstbraten.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie (Neitsch); parents, Ben and Bertha Arldt; brothers, Edwin and Fred; sisters, Evelyn Gloyna, Annie Mae Hengst, and Ruby Kieschnick. He is survived by his daughter, Audrey Arldt Bielss and husband, Stanley of Walburg; sons, Calford Dale Arldt and wife, Julie of Coupland and Dwight Lee Arldt of Walburg; brother, Herman Arldt and wife, Beverly of Walburg; sister-in-law, Alice “Mitzi” Austin; and brothers-in-law, James Neitsch of Walburg and Howard Neitsch of Winter Haven, Florida; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchilden – Candice (Bielss) Hill and husband, Pastor Nate, sons, John Barrett “Jack” and Carter; Stacie (Bielss) Bittner and husband, Codi, son, Colt and daughter, Kimber; Ashley Griffith and husband, Michael, daughters, Amy and Heather Brown; Samantha Arldt, Calford Douglas Arldt, Brodie Arldt, Kassidy Arldt, Klareece Arldt, and Sterling Arldt.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church - Garden of Praise in Walburg (located north of the gymnasium). Interment with military honors will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Walburg, Texas. A fellowship/reception will be held at the Bielss’ house on FM 1105 immediately following the services. Events will be outdoors; therefore, dress is casual attire.
Serving as Pallbearers are Brodie Arldt, Calford Douglas Arldt, Gregory Arldt, Larry Kieschnick, Roy Arldt, and Patrick Zipperer.
Memorials and donations may be made to the Lutheran School Tuition Funds for Zion Lutheran, Walburg, Texas, and St. Michael’s Lutheran, Winchester, Texas, or the Zion Cemetery Fund.
Special Note – Many, many thanks to the Staff of Will-O-Bell Care Facility for all they did for our father during his 5 years that he resided there!
