Lincoln Leon Arnold

Lincoln L. Arnold, 78, of Freeport, went home to Heaven, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters. The third child of Leon and Patricia (Imeson) Arnold. Lincoln was raised in Woodbine, IL, attending Woodbine Elementary school south of Woodbine until sixth grade and then transferring to school in Stockton. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1963. He proudly served his country on the USS Hornet CVS 12 as a Navy Airdale, flight deck refueler, and rescue hoist operator with Helicopter Squadron HS2. He was on leave the day John F Kennedy was killed and shore patrol from Great Lakes came to Woodbine and he was advised to return to the nearest active Navy base. Within 2 days, he found himself on the USS Hornet. Navy travels took him to Asia, Australia, Hawaii, Formosa, Philippines, New Zealand, and the North Pole. Medals of Service awarded to Lincoln, include Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Service Medal, Unit Commendation Medal, Sea Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, and National Defense Medal.

After discharge from the Navy, he began his career with RS&D at the Lena Quarry, later moving to Freeport. He drove Redi Mix truck, was a union steward, and completed his career with Rogers Redi Mix.

On September 13, 1969, he married Joanne C Iske of Brookville, IL. They had two daughters, Christan Arnold of Troutdale, Oregon and Bethany (Chris) Cahoon of Orangeville, IL. He was active in Indian Princess and Little League with his daughters. Lincoln helped with 4-H projects, digging up half the potato crop to get the perfect plate of potatoes to show at the fair. One year on Homecoming night, he attended the annual Club Calf sale to purchase the perfect show steer for Bethany. Many summer weekends were spent at Timber-lee Christian Camp ground (East Troy, Wisconsin).

Surviving Lincoln is his wife, Joanne, daughters Christan Arnold, (April Curtis), Troutdale, Oregon and Bethany (Chris) Cahoon, Orangeville, Il., grandchildren Trey Sullivan (Julie Teuchtler) of Baraboo, WI., Braydy Sullivan (ISU-Normal), and Whitney Sullivan, of Orangeville, step granddaughters Cailey Cahoon of Miami, Florida, and Alyse Cahoon of Orangeville. Sister, Peggy Bromley of Sandy, Oregon, Brothers Fred Arnold of Woodbine, IL, and Dale (Becky) Arnold of Stockton. The newest joy of his life was great granddaughter, Navy Rose Lincoln Sullivan of Baraboo, WI. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Leon and Patricia Arnold, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Emerson and Helen Iske of Lanark, brother-in-law, John Bromley of Sandy, Oregon and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron & Gretchen Iske of Brookville.

Lincoln loved to garden and share his produce and canned products with family, neighbors, and friends. He loved to deer hunt and hunted in Jo -Daviess County with cousins and friends for over 50 years. He was an avid collector of Red Wing Pottery and a member of the Red Wing Collectors Society. He was a devoted Orangeville Bronco fan supporting all of his grandkids at their sporting events, Prom, homecoming, and sheep shows. Two of his greatest vacations involved taking grandsons on board the USS Hornet docked at Alameda, Calif. Not only did he love watching his grandchildren play sports he was an avid Cubs and Bears fan!

He was a member of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church. He played church league softball, helped in Children's Ministries with security, went to Kentucky on summer mission trips and served on the Timber-Lee Christian Center Advisory Board. He was also a member of the USS Hornet Association, Eagles Club, and VFW. He was a proud Aircraft Carrier Foundation Plankowner and contributor to the USS Hornet, a Pictorial history book by Chuck Self. IF you ever visit the USS Hornet you can find Lincoln's flight jacket he donated to the museum.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday September 26, 2023 at Park Hills Free Evangelical Church. Rev. Larry Elliott will officiate. Burial will take place at Woodbine Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday September 25, 2023 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm also at Park Hills. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Lincoln's memory.