Arnold 'Arnie' Marvin Schuster

June 6, 1935 - Jan. 17, 2009

Arnold "Arnie" Marvin Schuster entered the waiting arms of our Heavenly Father Jan. 17, 2009, at Community Hospital in McCook, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

He was born on June 6, 1935, to Herman Henry and Alma Rose (Keller) Schuster in Hastings. He was baptized on July 21, 1935, and later confirmed into Lutheran faith at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island. He graduated from Grand Island High School in 1953.

Shortly after graduation, he went to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. After the Bell breakup, he transferred to AT&T and worked there until he retired in 1985. He then formed his own company known at Valley Telephone where he was working until his health no longer let him.

He was united in marriage to his best friend, Jane Reiners on Jan. 8, 1973, in Miami, Okla. They made their home in McCook.

Arnie was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Men's Bible Study, Forerunners Group and served as Elder and head usher numerous times. He truly loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was most happy when working in the church and with the people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Alma Schuster; son, Ricky Schuster; and father-in-law, Gale Malone.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Jane Schuster of McCook; daughter, Sherry and husband, Neal Nearhood of Chapman; sister, Donna Schuster of Hastings; mother-in-law, Dorothy Malone of McCook; special family friend Roberta McLaughlin of Hastings; and numerous family and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

At his wish, his body was cremated. Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences to www.carpenterbreland.com.

A celebration of his life will be Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Randy Wahl and Vicar Tom Albertson officiating. A private family inurnment will be at a later time.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.