Obituary for Kevin Arnold

Kevin Arnold, 69. Kevin was born in La Crosse to Dorothy and Stan Arnold on May 22, 1956. Kevin grew into a very curious and mischievous kid. If you were a police officer in La Crosse in the 70’s, I'm sure you knew Kevin. He never did anything real bad; just a lot of little annoying pranks that the officers were tired of seeing. Some may have written him off as a problem kid, but he proved them wrong. He started working in the restaurant industry at Guys and Dolls and found his true calling. Under Fred Wakeen’s leadership and friendship, Kevin was given the opportunity to work at, manage, and eventually buy the Hungry Peddler. This was the perfect fit for him. He was working and enjoyed it. Now he could pull his pranks, tease people, and be mischievous all the while building a career in a home town restaurant where customers became friends and like family. Kevin owned and worked at the Hungry Peddler for 42 years until his illness, and loss of the ability to speak forced him to sell. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with ALS. It was a diagnosis that stopped us in our tracks. This was not in our retirement plan. We put our big people pants on and decided we were still going to have a great life however long we had left together. Although our lifestyle had to be adjusted to accommodate the damn ALS, we did it. With loving care and encouragement from me we bought a walker, wheelchair, scooter and a lift to help Kevin be able to still get around. Nothing was going to stop us.

Kevin was able to enjoy countless trips to Vegas, Northwood Iowa, Dubuque Iowa, Alaska, South Dakota, and all over the Caribbean on cruises. ALS might have got him in the end, but we gave it Hell. Kevin passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Gundersen under palliative care. His family filled the room as he transitioned very peacefully to the Big Sky Casino. If love could have saved him, he would have never left that day with all the love that was in that room. We would like to thank the ALS team at UW Madison, the Gundersen teams of Dr. Oettel and his staff, 6th floor pulmonary and oncology and the palliative care team. What a group of truly caring and compassionate people. You are all assets and do your professions proud. Thanks to all the staff throughout the years that helped the Hungry Peddler become a staple of the community. Thank you to our family who joined Kevin and me on countless vacations. Oh the memories we made. A very special thank you to my brother Denny (Kevin's brother-in-law) for traveling with us for the last 4 years. We had a blast and Kevin loved every minute of it. Denny, Kevin appreciated it more than you will ever know.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 25 years, (36 years together), Karen. I loved him with my whole heart and became his caregiver during his 4 year ALS battle. His son, Keith Arnold. Grandson, Sawyer Arnold. His daughter, Shayna (Grant) Millard. Brothers, Stanley and George Arnold. Sister, Leslie (Greg) Brown. Sisters-in-law, Diane (Rog) Wardle, Jeanette (Shorty) Davis, Mary (Wayne) Polsean, Judy Herbst. Brothers-in-law, Lloyd (Cathy) Klein, Denny Klein, Charlie (Pam) Klein, Beak Herbst. Numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Wonderful friends, Robin, Annie and Keith, and especially, Tony and Missy LeQue.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy and father, Stan. Brothers, Art and Bill Coady. Sisters, Diane Loomis and Marcia. Brother-in-law, Tom Loomis. Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Theresa and Ambrose Klein. Nephew, Greg Wardle. Great-nephew, Adam Revolinski.

Kevin did not want a funeral or wake. A celebration of life will be held August 9, 2025, at Bluffside Tavern from 1-6 p.m. 2712 Main St., La Crosse. Come have a drink on Kevin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kevin's name can be made to the ALS Association of Wisconsin. 3333 N. Mayfair Road Ste. 104, Wauwatosa Wi., 53222.

Rest well my love. Keep the seat next to you at the slot machine open for me. Hold tight to the piece of my heart that you took with you until we meet again. Forever and always all my love, Karen

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