MARRIED & MERRY Mr. and Mrs. Arndt | Est. 1950

COVID-19 has shuttered many things this past year, but love is one thing that the virus has been unable to stop, at least for one Steele County couple.
This week Irwin Sr. and Donna Arndt are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary, a milestone that most couples never come close to achieving for various reasons. On top of that, Irwin turned 92 the day before their anniversary.
The party marking the occasion won’t be anything like it was in December 1950 as the Arndts are hunkered down in their farmhouse outside of Owatonna. In fact, they haven’t left home where they still live alone except for a couple doctor appointments since the pandemic began in March. Their family helps them with groceries and other needs.
On Dec. 17, 1950, Irwin Arndt married Donna Mae Johnson at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. It was a cold, windy day with the roads being icy and temperatures 20 below zero. They had a wedding reception in the church basement. Two weeks later they had a polka band-wedding dance at the Monterey Ballroom in Owatonna.
Irwin graduated from Owatonna in 1946 while Donna graduated from Blooming Prairie in 1950. They met at a dance at Zeiners Ballroom in Bixby.
The Arndts have been blessed with 10 children with an equal split, 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The children are Steve, Janet, Sara, Kevin, Julie, Dan, Heidi, Irwin Jr., Melanie and Ken.
Donna and Irwin said their children and grandchildren are what they are most proud of as a married couple. “They are all successful and good people,” Donna said of her family. Irwin agreed and said he is also very proud of the family and that two of his sons, Steve and Ken, continue to run the farm.
As the couple reaches a major milestone this week, they both agree it doesn’t feel like they have been married for 70 years. “Time has really gone by fast and it’s hard to believe it has been that long,” Donna said.
Asked what they attribute their longevity of being married to, Donna said: “Faith in God. We have been blessed and so fortunate to have a good, long life on the farm.” Added Irwin, “I always was happy to have good work to do on the farm, and I am very thankful for the many blessings we have had over the years, including a wonderful family and good health.”
The couple said the greatest challenge in their marriage has come over the past year with the deadly pandemic sweeping across the world. “COVID has certainly been a challenge… to be confined to our home,” Irwin said. Donna added, “It takes away your freedom.”
Both Irwin and Donna are appreciative of having family in the area to help out picking up groceries and other items. They also enjoy receiving calls from the family as they remain locked down in their house.
Raising a large family and running the farm prevented the Arndts from doing much traveling. However, they found some time to sneak off to visit Idaho, the Black Hills, California and northern Minnesota.
The most memorable events for the Arndts were Fourth of July family reunion picnics where they invited all of their married kids and extended families to the farm. Food, fun and music were always a part of the celebration.
Traditionally, the family has celebrated Christmas Eve together at the farm, which was an event the entire family looked forward to. While Santa made his appearance for the last 40 years, the Arndts are saddened that it won’t happen this year.
The family has always gathered for milestone anniversaries and birthdays. The last big event took place two years ago when Irv celebrated his 90th birthday and their 68th wedding anniversary. The party featured Irv’s good friend, Karl Hartwich and his polka band.
Irwin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and spent time at three bases: Fort Jackson in South Carolina, Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and Camp Atterbury in Indiana.
After his military service, Irwin returned to the Owatonna area and operated a dairy farm. He still helps out at the farm and continues to plow the land every year. He especially enjoys driving his four-wheeler around the property.
Irwin, who is a self-taught concertina player, started a band, Irv’s Concertina Band, and played at numerous events, fairs and church services for more than 50 years.
Donna spent her time as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She has always been regarded as “very artistic” by embroidering and painting kitchen towels.
“The grandchildren remember her drawing them pictures to color and credit her with their love for art and say they ‘got it from grandma,’” said Julie Ebeling, one of the couple’s daughters.
The couple always enjoyed a large garden. Donna spent much of her time canning and freezing vegetables. “She is also an excellent listener, cook and baker,” Ebeling added.
When asked what advice they would give newly married couples today, Donna said and Irwin finished her thought by saying, “The most important thing is to be respectful and caring.”
While no formal celebration will take place because of COVID-19, cards may be sent to the Arndts at 2855 SE 34th Ave., Owatonna, MN 55060.