Arnold Schott | 1933 - 2023
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Aug 19, 2023 | 10:36 AM / 436 views
Arnold “Arnie” Ralph Schott passed away on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 in Aberdeen, SD at the age of 89. He was the husband of Bonnie Kay Schott (Rau). They shared a wonderful 64 years of marriage together.
On August 23, 1933, he was born to Jacob and Lydia (Moser) Schott in rural McLaughlin. Arnie attended McLaughlin Public School and farmed with his father for seven years. Afterwards, he attended welding school in Colorado. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1962 and was a Battalion Motor Sergeant during his duty in Korea. After returning from military duty overseas, Arnie worked as a hired hand for Leo Rau and at Farmer Union Oil as a mechanic. In 1972, he opened up Arnie’s Repair in McLaughlin, SD.
Arnie was a proud member of Family Worship Center in Mobridge, SD. He served as the President of RC&D for four years and on the McLaughlin City Council Board for many years. In 2008, Arnie was elected as the Mayor of McLaughlin and held that position for 10 years. On top of all this public service, he also served as the Corson County Coroner for 30 years.
Arnold’s greatest joys were working on vehicles or on the farm. He was known for his love of John Deere tractors, collecting pens, and pranking/joking around with his loved ones. Ask anyone who knew Arnie: they have a good story to tell.
A visitation will be held at Family Worship Center in Mobridge, SD on Sunday, August 20th at 6:00pm CST. His funeral service will be held at Family Worship Center in Mobridge, SD on Monday, August 21st at 11 am CST.
Arnold is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Lydia; siblings: Eileen, Donald, Ruben, Gladys, Reinhold, Russell, and his grandson, Logan.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Kay; children: Jayde (Kristi) Schott of Aberdeen, Jamie (Donna) Schott of Lakewood, CO, Dayne of Sioux Falls, Sonda (Greg) Tople of Aberdeen; 11 grandchildren: Bailey, Jordyn, Taige, Lauren, Kaelynn, Tannon, Landon, Brendan, Briggs, Darian, Josiah; one brother, Wallace (Sue) and sister, DiAnn Aplan.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Avera Mother Joseph Manor, Pastor Paul Hathaway, family, friends, and Bonnie Kay and Arnie’s wonderful neighbors for their unwavering support and care.