Obituary of Robert C. Arndt

Robert C. (Bob) Arndt of Elizabethtown, PA, formerly of Ashton, MD and Clifton, NJ, and husband of Renate H. Arndt for 61 years, died on Christmas Day 2020.  Born in Jersey City, NJ in 1936, he was preceded into heaven by his parents Rudolph Wendell "Edwin" and Ruth Clarke Arndt.

Bob was a man of faith and service, dedicated to his family, and beloved by close friends and co-workers. He met life’s challenges head-on with courage and grace. Bob was a member of Cape May (NJ) Lutheran Church and a former member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulton, MD.  He served his country in the United States Army Reserve and the local community as church councilman, election judge and Boy Scout leader.  Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering and pursued a master’s degree from the University of Maryland.  He was employed by the National Security Agency in various technical and management positions including engineering, research, information technology, and installations and logistics. In 1985, he was conferred the rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Cryptologic Executive Service by President Ronald Reagan for sustained superior accomplishment in management of programs of the United States Government and for noteworthy achievement of quality and efficiency in the public service. He was awarded the Exceptional Civilian Service Award and medal in 1987 and retired from U.S. Government service in 1995 following assignment as Special US Liaison Officer- Canada.

In addition to an accomplished career, he led an active life of recreation.  He was an avid racquetball and squash player, snow skier, bicyclist, and world traveler.  At age 65, he climbed Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. He was also a skilled carpenter, auto mechanic and electrician.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Walter Arndt of Laurel, MD and Steffan Arndt, husband of Marcia Rogers Arndt, of Mount Airy, MD, parents of Colin and Emily Arndt and Brian Van Fossen, husband of Sarah Van Fossen, parents of three great-grandchildren, Lucas, Logan and Sydney Van Fossen.

To express a condolence with the family and for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

There will be no public viewing.  A memorial service for Robert C. Arndt is scheduled for 23 January 2021, 10:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 27015 Ridge Rd, Damascus, MD 20872

Information for attending the memorial service:

Due to COVID restrictions, attendance is limited and the total number can vary depending on the mix of individuals and groups attending. Therefore, all persons planning to attend the memorial service must pre-register. When registering, list each person in your group individually in order to have an accurate count. Family members living in the same household or in regular physical contact with each other may be seated together. Pre-register on-line at the following URL:

Redeemer Lutheran Church (onrealm.org)

If you need assistance with registration, contact Jennifer at the church office at 301-253-3000.

There will be no guestbook for the memorial service at the church. The registration list will serve that purpose.

There will be no receiving line at the church for the offering of condolences. Condolences may be offered via the Spence Funeral Services website.

Face masks must be worn at all times while inside the building except when speaking from the podium.  Social distancing of 6-10 feet must be maintained at all times.

Enter the church through the right-most set of double glass doors into the breezeway facing the upper parking lot.  Proceed to the check-in desk located in the lobby in front of the elevator, where your registration will be verified.  You will be directed up the steps to the family life center, where ushers will seat you.

Following the service, wait for the direction of the ushers as attendees will be dismissed by section to maintain social distancing.