John William Arnholt Jr.

John was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 21, 1953 to John (Jack) Arnholt, Sr and Alice (Linn) Arnholt. He attended Peoria Central High School where he wrestled and played football, and then graduated with a full beard.

During his high school years, he found the love of his life, Susan Patricia Horan, and sold his motorboat and trailer to buy her a ring. They were married 52 years ago on September 2, 1972 at Saint Mary Cathedral in Peoria, IL.

His wife survives. Also surviving are their two daughters, Kelley Kristine (Craig) Lundy and Katie Jolynn (Charles)Kim; five grandchildren, Dustin (Sayler) Lundy, Sgt. Brittany Lundy USMC, Kaitlyn Lundy, Aidan Kim, and Declan Kim, and one great-grandson, Landon Lundy. Also surviving are his sisters, Jody Lemmerman and Viki Powell, and brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces & nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father & mother-in-law, two brothers, one brother-in-law, one sister-in-law, 4 uncles and 4 aunts.

John worked at Horan Construction for his wife, as a Union Carpenter from Local #183. He owned and ran Arnholt Snow Removal. He was a very talented and gifted man who loved his work and everybody he met.

John’s true passion was his love for Jesus, his family, and his community. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether it was teaching his children and grandchildren carpentry skills, helping them drive a tractor, snowplow, or boat, or simply being there. His warmth and kindness were extended to everyone he met, and his sense of humor was contagious.

John’s faith was central to everything he did. He attended Cursillo in 1986. Since then, he has served on numerous Cursillo teams bring the love of Christ to those willing to listen. He played an integral role in remodeling the Cursillo-TEC Center. Also, He was very active in In His Footstep Prison Ministry Teams for over 30 years. His work in these institutions was a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving Christ and others, as he brought hope and encouragement to those in need.

John was recognized for his heroic actions rescuing a young man from a burning car on Radnor Road just moments before a gas explosion. His courage and selflessness will never be forgotten.

John’s legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the lives he touched. He will be missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire us.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Sunday, April 27, 2025 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Peoria.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, April 28, 2025 at St. Ann Catholic Church with Father Jeremy Freehill officiating. Additional visitation will be for one hour prior to the Mass on Monday at the Church. Entombment will follow the Mass at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.

Memorials are suggested to Cursillo, In His Footsteps, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Ann Church.