Arnold Louis Wychel

Arnold Louis Wychel, 86, of Leland, NC passed peacefully into the Lord’s hands the morning of August 7, 2012, after a period of declining health.

He was born on May 1, 1926, in St. Louis, MO, to Flora Knehans and George Andrew Wychel. Arnold’s father immigrated to America from Poland in 1918.

Arnold graduated from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis, MO and then received an appointment to the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. While at the USMMA, he was a member of the boxing and track teams.

He served on the US Canscoe in combat theaters of the Pacific and South America during World War 11. After serving at sea, he returned to the Academy, graduated in 1947 and then served in the US Navy Reserves. He completed his combustion engineering degree at Washington University in St. Louis; and held jobs related to his training were held in St. Louis, MO; San Fransico, CA, and Wilmington, NC.
Arnold faithfully followed his beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball team over the years and was overjoyed last October when they won their 11th World Series Championship.

Arnold was also a devoted member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Wilmington since 1981 where he served on the church choir was a joy for him for over 30 years. He believed strongly in the services provided by the American Red Cross and was a regular donor, having given 68 pints of blood.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ellen Olga Wychel, and husband Myron Medsker of St. Louis, MO. He is survived by his children Barbara Arndt (Edward) Matthews of Conover, NC; David (Kerry) Wychel; and their mother Glorene Wychel of Wilmington, NC; grandsons Ben (Andrea) Arndt of Charlotte, NC, Brand Arndt of Rockville, MD; step-daughter Angie Davis (Lee) Taylor and their children Harrison and Caroline of Leland, NC.

Many thanks are extended to numerous friends who supported and maintained lasting friendships through-out the years including Louise Roundabusch, organist and friend Bill Glisson, and to his special Hospice workers who were his caring angels and his sunshine these last months.

A service of Rememberance will be held at 2 pm at St. Matthews Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 12, 2012, bythe Reverend Dr. Samuel Zumwalt. Visitation will be held at the church, after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthews Lutheran Church 612 S. College Rd.

Wilmington, NC 28403; Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401; American Red Cross 1102 S 16th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 or the donor’s charity of choice.

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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation Village Road Chapel, 525 Village Rd., Leland, NC 28451 910.383.3511