Arnold "Arnie" Emerson Nafziger

Arnold "Arnie" Emerson Nafziger, age 89, passed away at Hartsfield Village Nursing in Munster, IN on July 28th, 2023, from multiple myeloma. Arnie was born at St. Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago, IN on Sunday July 8th, 1934, at 7:55 PM, to Gaylord and Margeane Nafziger (nee Adkins).

Arnie attended the Munster School, established in 1914, which changed to James F. Lanier School in 1950. As a teenager, he attended Hammond High with his close childhood friend, Jerry Freeze, and his brother. During high school, Arnie worked at Jansen's Fruit Stand on Ridge Road and participated in several sports, such as cross country, intramural baseball and basketball. After graduating, he hitchhiked his way to Alaska with a friend, explaining to his father they were going to visit the friend's family member. He then continued his way cross country to Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. After his travels, Arnie entered the Marine Corps, 3rd Battalion Platoon 323, from the Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. Although this was during the Korean War, he was fortunate enough to never have seen combat.

On January 25th, 1958, Arnie married Marilyn Dean Mack and started his new life as a husband and father. On November 22nd, 1958, their son Steven (Debi) was born. Their second son, Michael, was born a few years later on July 29, 1961, who eventually had two daughters, Jennifer and Lindsay. A decade later, Arnie's third son, Kurt (Margie), was born July 11th, 1971. They had one son, Aidan. While building his family, Arnie began college at Indiana University, graduating in the class of 1960 with a bachelor's degree in business. He then went to work for the federal government in the Department of Health and Human Services, Healthcare Financing Administration as an accountant. There, he received several citations of merit and excellence over the years.

Arnold was fortunate enough to retire in 1990 and enjoy 30 years of retirement. He loved traveling with Marilyn during that time before her passing, and then continued to do so after her passing. He was an avid golfer, he enjoyed reading and doing puzzles, as well.

Arnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn (July 12, 2002); his son, Michael (January 22, 2016); and his granddaughter, Lindsay (2020).

A Memorial Visitation for Arnie will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Nafziger family.