Arnold “Arnie” Ames, age 61, of Glendive passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017 after a tragic motorcycle accident.
Visitation was held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with a Family and Friends service at 7 p.m. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Will Johnson officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Arnie was born on August 12, 1955 to LeRoy and Alida (Moen) Ames in Williston, N.D. The family lived in Tioga, N.D. for a short time before moving to Watford City, N.D. where Arnie started his education. In 1962, the family moved to Glendive where Arnie continued his education, graduating from Dawson County High School with the class of 1973. While in high school, Arnie participated in sports for the Red Devils, but most of his activities weren’t necessarily sanctioned by the school. After high school Arnie enlisted in the United States Army where he served for two years, primarily in Germany. Upon his return to the states, Arnie continued his education by earning his associates degree from Miles Community College in Miles City and later attending Eastern Montana College in Billings. Following his education, Arnie returned to Glendive and worked for Anthony’s Clothing Store, which influenced his reputation as always being well dressed and clean cut. Arnie was later transferred to Boise, Idaho where he joined the National Guard. In 1984 he transferred with the National Guard to Bakersfield, Calif. to be closer to his niece Jenny, who he helped care for, for the rest of his life. He continued with the National Guard until 1994 when Arnie decided to become a career member of the United States Army. During his career he received many accolades and was deployed to the middle east twice during Operation Desert Storm. In 2010, Arnie received his honorable discharge and retired from the Army to return to Glendive. He worked for one of his best friends Tim Mort at Mort Distributing in Glendive and remained there until the time of his passing.
Arnie was a third generation veteran, he followed in his father’s footsteps and had always admired and looked up to him. He loved his family and friends, and was always willing to go above and beyond for all of them. Arnie enjoyed hunting and fishing, carpentry, working on vehicles, riding his Harley Davidson and cruising in his Corvette. Arnie was a lifelong fan of the Beatles and the Dallas Cowboys. He was kind of a “movie star” or as close as Glendive will get to one, he was an extra in “Bronco Billy” which starred Clint Eastwood and “In The Army Now” starring Pauly Shore. Arnie was also featured in one of the most popular episodes of “American Restoration” when he had his 1962 Corvette pedal car turned into a go-cart.
Arnie was a member of the Glendive Masonic Lodge #31, the NRA, ABATE, Glendive Moose Lodge #949 and the VFW. He was very active in Zion Lutheran Church where he was the head deacon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother-in-law, Bob McLain.
Arnie is survived by his son, Jacob Ames of Bakersfield; four sisters, Lyla (Larry) Mitchell of Sheridan, Wyo., LaNette (Dick) Simonton of Glendive, Andrea (Keith) Huschka of Glendive, and Christie McLain of Apple Valley, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested in Arnie’s name to: Zion Lutheran Church, 401 Riverview Ave., Glendive, MT 59330.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhome.com.