Arnold Schmidt passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 16, 2023, at the age of 88.

Arnold was born in Hubbard, Oregon to Steve and Helen Schmidt. A lifelong resident of the North Howell community, he loved farming his own property as well as assisting his countless family and relatives with their operations. Arnold also loved driving trucks and running heavy equipment, having worked for Marion County as a heavy equipment operator for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1994.

Arnold married Shirlee Benike on September 20, 1957, and together they raised two daughters, and loved and cherished their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arnold is survived by his wife Shirlee and their daughters, Rebecca (John) Jolliff and Vel'Dene Gould, as well as siblings Stanley (Lavona) Schmidt, Richard (Linda) Schmidt, Joanne (Darrell) O'Mary and Karen (Mark) Scherlie. He is also survived by grandchildren Charisse (Sam) Loughery, Benjamin (Jenn) Jolliff, Carter (Julia) Gould, Dawson Gould, Ellie (Jacob) Gamboa and Emma (Garrett) Bristow as well as great-grandchildren Mason Jolliff, Kalece Wynn, Olivia Loughery, Savannah Loughery, Declan Loughery, Lumen Gould, Cora Gould and Hattie Gamboa. He was preceded in death by his sister Arlene Pennington and grandson Andrew Gould.

The family held a private burial at Bethany Pioneer Cemetery in Silverton. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 20, 2024, at First Church of the Nazarene in Salem at 2PM. Donations may be made to Salem Academy Christian Schools.