Obituary of Hannie Arndt
Mrs. Hannie Arndt, wife of the Late Daniel Arndt of Calgary, formerly of the Springside district died at Bethany Calgary on August 8, 2025. She was ninety seven years of age. Hannie will be remembered on September 10, 2025 in Springside, Saskatchewan where she lived most of her life.
Hannie was born on February 17th in Gronau, West Germany, the eldest daughter of Gustav and Wilhelmina (Zeitner) Strauss. She travelled with her parents and oldest brother by ship to Canada when she was only one year old.
As a family, they first lived in Burstall, Saskatchewan and later travelled by covered wagon with an Aunt and Uncle’s family to Springside, Saskatchewan where they settled on a homestead and farmed. Stories of walking to school or going by horse were often heard. Mom boarded in town to complete grade 10. She left home at 16 to attend business college in Winnipeg, Manitoba attending McDermot Ave. Baptist while there and making some lifelong friends. After her training, she worked and assisted her older brother in paying for school.
Daniel Arndt visited Winnipeg often and eventually they were married in June of 1948. The home they built in Springside was later moved out to their farm west of Springside along highway 16. Together they raised five children there and welcomed 14 grandchildren. Hannie would have been overjoyed to know that by the time she died the family grew to include 20 great-grandchildren and all the partners of her grandchildren. Hannie lived for her family and would have loved to meet each one.
Farming life was busy. Hannie was involved in every aspect in addition to her garden and canning which filled the cold room each summer and fall. Hannie had strong values of faith, hospitality, kindness, hard work and the ability to be teased and not take herself too seriously. She also had strong values of what was right and wrong and her children usually heard those and knew what they were. But along with that, she was also willing to be open and grow with her family, so all her children witnessed and felt those changes in attitudes and approaches through the years.
Hannie always had an open door for family, neighbours, friends or strangers. Many a Sunday dinner included guests. There was always room for one or two more.
Hannie loved children and worked with Pioneer Girls, Awana, and Kid’s Club. She hosted many a summer missionary, or guests visiting the church. Her home was small, but she always made room. And there was always food available and baking in the freezer or fresh from the oven whether staying for a night or stopping in for a cup of tea unannounced.
Hannie leaves to mourn her loss:
Myron (Sandy) – Kristian (Sabrina), Tim, and Megan (Dan); Eldon (Kitty) - James, Robin (Shawn) and David (Jessica); Brenda - step-children Greg Jr. and Natasha, Lavern (Deb) – Jordan (Brita) and Devin (Alli); and Kendell (Jodine) – Ashley (Joelle), Conan (Julana), Madison and Tyson. And of course, all the great-grandchildren connected to each grandchild mentioned above. And she also leaves to mourn her brother Helmut (Jean) Strauss.
Hannie Arndt was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years Dan and her parents Gustav and Wilhelmina Strauss; by her brother Ervin (Delores) Strauss and her sister Ruth (Reuben) Grueneich and sadly her daughter-in-law Patricia Arndt, the mother of Kristian, Tim & Megan.
A visitation for relatives and friends was held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from the Springside Baptist Church. Burial in Springside Community Cemetery followed with James Arndt, Robin Derow, David Arndt, Jordon Arndt, Madison Arndt and Tyson Arndt serving as casket bearers. The Funeral Service was held at the Springside Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Kauenhofen officiating. The accompanists were Jeanette Kriger and Kitty Arndt. Sheldon and Robin led the congregation in the singing of hymns. Madison Arndt and Conan and Julana Arndt read scripture. Tributes were given by Shari Kooiker, Robin Derow, Jordan Arndt, Eldon Arndt and Brenda Arndt. For those unable to attend the funeral was livestreamed through the Springside Baptist Church Youtube channel.
If you wish to contribute something in Hannie’s memory, all monies will go towards White Cross, a charity close to Hannie’s heart that supported hospitals with medical supplies in mission locations through the ministry of the North American Baptist Conference. All contributions could be made out to Springside Baptist Church, indicating White Cross or to Alberta Baptist Association (11525 23 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3) as gifts of remembrance.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
