Hugo John “Jack” Arndt, 84, of Wilton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at his home on the farm—right where he wanted to be.
Born on June 21, 1942, in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Hugo Marvin and Clara Adeline (Radke) Arndt, Jack was the eighth of ten children. He was raised on the family farm near Wilton and never truly left it. He attended elementary school at Slabtown School, just down the road from the farm, and graduated from Wilton High School in 1960. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and married.
In his younger years, Jack hauled canned milk and then bulk milk before eventually purchasing the home farm from his father in 1968. He then farmed for many years in partnership with his brother, Leonard. A dedicated dairy farmer for nearly 60 years, Jack took immense pride in his herd and earned numerous awards through Tri-State Breeders. He was seed salesman for Renk Seed for 35 years, earning several accolades in that role as well. In his retirement, Jack kept busy by helping his Amish neighbors deliver produce.
On April 12, 1980, Jack married Mary Ann Moomey. Together, they built a beautiful life, celebrating 46 years of marriage. They raised two daughters, Renee and Rebecca, and Jack lovingly welcomed Mary’s daughter, Pamela, into the family.
Jack was an avid sports fan. He bowled for many years and formed many lasting friendships through the sport. He and Mary Ann competed in local leagues and major tournaments, bringing home plenty of trophies along the way. He loved his Packers, Brewers, and Badgers and the occasional NASCAR race.
Most importantly, he lived for his girls’ sporting events. Though he was a busy dairy farmer, he never missed a game. He was a familiar and supportive fixture at Royall High School, cheering on volleyball, basketball, and softball. He even volunteer-coached some basketball leagues and, because he owned a van, became the default driver for team trips and basketball camps.
Jack and Mary traveled all over the Midwest to follow the girls’ basketball careers, forming wonderful friendships along the way—especially with the parents of the Viterbo women’s basketball team. Even when the girls had moved on, Jack still enjoyed watching high school sports. He was thrilled to make it to one final track meet at Royall this past spring and to attend a basketball game last winter in Brookwood’s new fieldhouse.
Jack was a proud and devoted grandpa. He spoiled his only granddaughter, MaKenzie, sneaking her jelly when out to dinner and snuggling her to sleep often in his recliner and insisting that he was “just resting” when clearly he had fallen asleep before her. The best part about sick days for MaK was getting to hang out with Grandpa and riding along to auction or to the co-op.
Jack loved listening to MaKenzie sing and never missed one of her concerts. When she played basketball and softball, he was right there at every single game just as he had been for his girls.
Cooper held a very special place in Jack’s heart. Jack made it to nearly every one of Cooper’s basketball games, taking immense pride in watching the boys on the team grow. Even when mobility became a challenge, Jack would still pull up to cross-country finish lines whenever he could, and he was especially proud to watch Cooper compete at state tournaments. When he could no longer travel, he would call to check on results, sometimes even before Cooper crossed the finish line. He shared a unique bond with Cooper and would readily admit he was his favorite.
Jack also loved giving Kubota rides to his grandchildren. He was always prepared with cookies and a Pepsi or two, prompting Wesson and Arden to drop everything for a ride. Jasper, too, enjoyed his rides and especially enjoyed picking apples from the back of the Kubota. Jack often played Go Fish or King’s Corners with the boys while polishing off a bottle of apple juice and a few snacks. The grandchildren all knew right where Grandpa kept his candy bars and Oreo cookies – and Jack didn’t stop them from finding them.
Jack was a man who knew everyone’s business—not out of gossip, but because he genuinely knew and cared about everyone in the area. He could tell you how anyone was related to half the county, usually accompanied by a story or two (and you can bet they had plenty of stories about Jack, too).
He was in his element in the fields. He loved his International combine, and his John Deere 4030 was his true pride and joy. Through the years, his daughters and nephews enjoyed rides in the tractor cab with him. He continued to help out nephews and neighbors with his 4030 well past retirement.
He surrounded himself with animals; he knew every one of his 85 cows by name and always made sure the barn cats got their cream after milking. Jack also shared his life with several special dogs: Fanny, Princess, Sandy, and Sugar. Sugar was his closest companion, running alongside him everywhere or riding shotgun on the Kubota. She grew old by his side before crossing the rainbow bridge in 2022.
Jack is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his daughters, Renee (Matthew) Mayne and Rebecca (Chris) Crecente; five grandchildren, MaKenzie and Cooper Powell, Wesson and Arden Mayne, and Jasper Crecente; two brothers, Martin (Julitta) Arndt and Leonard (Dixie) Arndt; three sisters, Lois O’Rourke, Ethel (Don) Dechant, and Arlis (Larry) Ballwahn; a sister-in-law Judy Arndt; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Clara; his in-laws, Charles and Bea Moomey; four brothers, Carl, James, Verne, and Bernard; his stepdaughter, Pamela; his brother-in-law, Gordon O’Rourke, and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, Jack’s wishes are that memorials support Brookwood Athletics. To do so, write checks to N-O-W Schools and mail to 28861 Hwy 131, Ontario, WI 54651. Memorials given at the services will be directed in the same way.
The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice for their support and Shannon Lofquist and Haley Brooks, Jack’s caregivers, who made it possible for him to be comfortable at home.
Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton. A service and meal will follow at the church. Pastor Karen Sparling will officiate.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered by visiting http://www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.