Arnold Baugnet

Arnold "Arnie" Joseph Baugnet

Heaven welcomed Arnold "Arnie" Joseph Baugnet, 89, on December 22nd, 2023, surrounded by his family. He lived a long and incredible life as a resident of De Pere and was a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Arnie was born the second youngest of ten children on November 20, 1934. As a child he survived a battle with polio. Growing up in De Pere he had parents who instilled in him a strong love for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. He carried this throughout his life, family often finding rosaries in his pockets along with his mainstay of chocolates and hankies always ready when needed. His hope in Jesus was his foundation and was evident in his faith throughout life attending mass, praying the rosary and being the example for his children regularly.

Arnie graduated from St. Norbert High School in 1954 as an accomplished athlete, with his love of basketball and was the star quarterback for the football team. In high school, he met the love of his life Nancy Jackson, his "Tootie Bell". Following the majority of his siblings and the desire to serve his country he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean conflict in 1955. During his time in service, he exchanged many letters of love with his Tootie Bell and while home on leave on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957, he made Nancy his bride. Arnie completed his service in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1957.

Upon completing his time in the service, he joined his brothers working at H.C. Prange where he began to learn and do floor covering. He also drove a school bus on the side, with his Tootie Bell riding along sometimes. He worked there until he decided to go into business for himself in 1969. Arnie's Floors was his business that he worked at into his eighties. As Arnie and Nancy began to grow their family, Arnie would often bring at least one of his children to work with him. This brought many great memories to his children especially going out for breakfast, Hostess snacks, sitting on the white bucket or a roll of carpet and one of us getting our foot stuck in the bucket of paste. His work ethic was evident by the eventual crooked fingers, a few knee replacements, rotator cuff surgery to name a few that he took all in stride.

Outside of his work Arnie and Nancy grew out of their apartment and in 1966 he built a home in De Pere with his brother for his family. Arnie was very handy doing many different woodworking and handy man projects for his home and family; from fixing broken vacuum cleaners and bikes left by the curb, making bird houses, benches and yard games.

Arnie was a very active man. He played softball and couples bowling until his kids sports and activities took over. He loved coaching his boys in hockey, winter tubing, playing card games, dominoes, riding his bike, going for runs and walks, playing tennis and golf. Arnie was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan who attended the "Ice Bowl". He loved having Packer parties every Sunday with his family; plus watching the two Super Bowls outside in front of the house with his kids and their families.

Arnie and Nancy instilled the importance of family time and being thankful for each other and each meal. His children and grandchildren always shared one of two prayers before each meal whether it was the "Bless us oh Lord" meal prayer or singing the Johnny Appleseed blessing. He also taught his family that "he who eats the fastest, gets the mostest" and "he who hesitates is lost". Grandchildren will always remember his lawn mower rides, diddly-diddly, candy, cookies and gum and so much more.

Being a man of God, Arnie built his life on faith and family. He will be greatly missed, and may his foundation of kindness, love and family values be passed on to all he was around.

Arnie is survived by his bride Nancy, "Tootie Bell" of 66 years, daughter Rebecca "Bucky" (Tom) Stefely, son Bartholomew "Chum" (Betty) Baugnet, daughter Jennifer "Gentle" (Steve) Eckelaert, son John (Julie) Baugnet, daughter Mary "Trixie" (Eric) Ferrel, son Matthew "Gus" (Jennifer) Baugnet, daughter Sarah (Ben) Verhaagh, and over 30 grandchildren/great grandchildren and still growing. He is also survived by his sister Kathy Schadrie and his brother David "Huntz" Baugnet.

Arnie is preceded in death by his parents John and Julia Baugnet, two sisters and five brothers. He is also reunited in Heaven with sons Peter and Paul who we are sure welcomed him with a card game ready to go with M&Ms, chocolate covered peanuts, room temperature Pepsi's and Old Fashioneds.

Services will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in De Pere on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Visitation is 9 - 10:45 A.M, Mass at 11:00 A.M. Military Funeral Honors will be held at the church and burial will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation, please donate in Arnie's name to Green Bay DAV Russell Leicht, Chapter 3, 1253 Scheuring Road, Suite A, De Pere, WI 54115-1070, Ph: 920-338-8620

The Baugnet family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Emerald Bay Retirement Community and Unity Hospice for their outstanding care this past year and a half.