Wilfred "Butch" Arendt

Wilfred “Butch” Arendt, 75, of Port St. Joe, Florida, a humble and dedicated servant of the Lord, passed away on December 25, 2023, in Panama City, Florida. He loved his family beyond measure. Butch was a man of his word and held himself to high standards. He excelled through hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. Butch was generous with his time and talents. He touched countless lives and made positive differences for the better. Butch was admired and respected for his professionalism in his chosen careers, always going above and beyond. He was appreciated for the positive impacts he made in the lives of those he helped on the job and in his personal life. He was greatly loved by those who knew him well.

He was born in Rock Island, Illinois, to the late Wilfred Arendt and Enola Albertson Arendt on January 15, 1948. Preceding him in death were his parents, siblings Marsha Rasnick, Blaine Arendt, Suzette Cornelius, and his precious little poodle, Dixie Lee.

Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, his wife, Betty; a son Adam Arendt of Rolla, Missouri; daughters Nicole Arendt of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Olympia Arendt (Warren Keenan) of Seminole, Florida. He is also survived by Samantha Rhoads and spouse Jarod Green of Hot Springs, Arkansas, his siblings: Gerry Walker of Maricopa, Arizona, Vicky Bailey of Inlet Beach, Florida, Kelly Plata of Montgomery, Illinois and Carmen Bailey of Howe, Indiana; sister-in-law Kathy Arendt of Frankfort, Illinois, nephew Brandon McVicker of Port Richey, Florida, his very special Florida granddaughter, Avery Maxwell of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Butch was a highly decorated Army Veteran who proudly served for more than 20 years with foreign duty stations in Vietnam (2 tours), Korea, and several assignments in Germany. He was a Ranger for 12 years before moving into the 3rd Armor Division. Among his many accolades for distinguished service, Armor Commander Henry stated: “...that he is a Noncommissioned Officer of the highest caliber and is outstanding among his contemporaries. SFC Arendt’s perseverance and outstanding performance reflect favorably upon himself, the Battalion and the United States Army.” Commander Benton wrote that “his meritorious performance of duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Battalion and the United States Army.” Butch’s service awards were many including NDSM, AFEM, RVNCM, VSM, GSMDL, (6th 841110), AAM (1), ARCOM, ASR, VC of G w/p, ARCOM (OLC V Device), OSR (3), NPDR (2), MSM (1), OS Svc Bar (2).

Butch was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a founding member of John C. Gainous VFW Post 10069, a member of American Legion Post 116, AM VETS Post 2298 and Blue Knights.

“Mr. Butch” or “Sgt”, as he was affectionately called, proudly served Port St. Joe as a police officer for over 20 years and as a volunteer fireman. He coached Citizens Federal girls’ softball, enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing and daily exchanges with his computer buddies. Butch enjoyed a good joke, sang a mean rendition of Spanish Harlem and was an avid Yahtzee player. He was Notre Dames‘ number one football fan, liked old westerns and SYFY, and all things to do with Halloween and Christmas. One of his greatest pleasures was the excited joy of children on Halloween when he handed them king-sized Snickers or Hershey bars. That was a tradition Butch started more than 35 years ago. The kids would come back every year until they were grown and began bringing their own children to trick-or-treat with Mr. Butch. Weeks before Halloween, they would stop by to tell him they would see him on Halloween.

Butch generously supported Boys Town, St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, Shriner’s hospitals, The Salvation Army and the USO. A contribution to any of these organizations will honor his memory.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, FL.