Arnold Trinklein

Vassar, MI

Arnold went to his heavenly home on September 17, 2021, joining Irene, his beloved wife of 65 years. He was 99 years old. Arnold was born on June 24, 1922, to the late Eric and Agnes Schreiner Trinklein, growing up on the family farm and living in the Vassar area all of his life. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Tuscola County for eight years and was the longest surviving male member of his 1936 St. Lorenz confirmation class. Arnold spent two years as an Army medic including service on a ship in Korea, before coming home to work for Baker Builders of Frankenmuth for over 40 years. He was a skilled carpenter, building and renovating many homes and structures in the area, including work at St. Lorenz Churchgrove and Camp Lu Lay Lea. Arnold was very proud of his eight years working with Laborers for Christ, building churches and remodeling buildings at Concordia College in Ann Arbor. He enjoyed woodworking, a lifelong hobby, building many birdhouses, furniture, and wooden toys. All of Arnold's children and grandchildren own one or more of his special projects. He built a roll-top desk which St. Lorenz was able to sell at auction. He also spent a lot of time tending his garden, especially squash and pumpkins, building jigsaw puzzles, enjoying Detroit Tigers games, and collecting coins. He was a hard worker his whole life, not slowing down even in his later years. Arnold especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their sporting events and celebrating occasions and holidays with them. He has left them with wonderful memories of their time spent together. Arnold was a devoted lifetime member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, continuing to attend services until his passing.

Arnold is survived by one daughter and four sons; Marilyn (Terry) Lee of Saginaw, Tom Trinklein of Vassar, Dale Trinklein of Millington, Mark Trinklein of Midland, and Gerald (Carla) Trinklein of Ligonier, Indiana. He also leaves six grandchildren, Nicholas (Cherie) Lee of Kailua, Hawaii, Megan (Christopher) Mendyka of Rochester Hills, Taryn (Dustin) Garwood of Troy, and Bethany, Matthew, and Daniel Trinklein of Ligonier; four great-grandchildren, Conner and Cameron Mendyka, Collins Garwood, and Kailer Lee; two sisters-in-law, Eileen Rodammer of Frankenmuth and Irene Rodammer of Reese; and many nieces and nephews.

Arnold was preceded in death by his wife Irene; his parents, Agnes and Eric; his brother, neighbor, and best friend Gilbert Trinklein; three brothers-in-law, Otto Rodammer Jr., Milton Rodammer, and Fred Weiss; three sisters-in-law, Elenor Trinklein, Lorraine Weiss, and Edna Rodammer.

Special thanks goes to his son Tom, who made it possible for him to stay in the home he built almost 70 years ago. Also, thanks to Vicki Arnold, his home healthcare aide, whose devotion and kindness was very much appreciated by Arnold's family.

Funeral service will take place on Monday, September 27, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. The service will be livestreamed at stlorenz.org/stream . Pastor Joel Kaiser will officiate, with burial to follow in St. Lorenz Cemetery. Arnold's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church or Camp Lu Lay Lea.