Margaret Ann Arnold, 83, a longtime resident of Wheaton, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015 after courageously facing ongoing health crises for the past two years. During that time, she suffered two traumatic events: a left cerebellar brain hemorrhage from which she made an amazing recovery; and ultimately from complications following a surgery to correct a cervical stenosis which left her paralyzed.

Margaret Ann was born in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Feb. 24, 1932. She was a graduate of Central High School and Tennessee Temple College, both in Chattanooga, where she studied music and English. As a talented soprano, she loved performing with the Ridgedale Methodist Church Choir and was a popular soloist throughout her college years and into adulthood.

Margaret Ann was married to Dr. Glenn F. Arnold, on June 12, 1954; they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year.
Her love of the piano keyboard made a good transition to the typewriter keyboard. For more than 30 years, Margaret Ann excelled in secretarial positions at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Ill.; and Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illl. She was happiest, however, as Glenn's faithful, executive assistant in all of his roles as pastor, professor, missionary, and musician.

She died peacefully by her husband's side at Rosewood Care Center in St. Charles, Ill., where they were both residents. The Arnolds were a favorite couple at the facility as staff and caregivers could witness their remarkable devotion to each other.
Margaret Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Margaret (Epler) Hamil of Chattanooga; and parents-in-law, Rev. Milton and Charlotte Arnold of Winston-Salem, N.C.

She is survived by her husband, Glenn; one daughter, Melody Arnold Kerpe (Dr. Algimantas S. Kerpe) of Geneva, Ill.; and two granddaughters, Calla Margret Lefley and Carissa Ann Lefley, also of Geneva.

A memorial celebration service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 12, 2015 at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton. Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments with the family afterwards in the church's Fellowship Hall.
Contributions in honor of Margaret Ann Arnold to the Fox Valley Concert Band, P.O. Box 1422, St. Charles, IL 60174, deeply appreciated.

The Arnolds were active members of the Fox Valley Concert Band, where Glenn played trumpet for more than 20 years. Glenn and Margaret Ann's genuine love of music and the Wheaton community gave them a shared vision to co-found the Wheaton Band Festival in 2000. For more than 15 years, the annual event, scheduled for the third weekend in July, brings free, concert and brass band music to Memorial Park in Wheaton.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.