Michael Wayne Arnett
Michael Wayne Arnett, a Navy veteran, passionate Harley-Davidson rider, and devoted fan of the Indianapolis 500, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, at the age of 57.
Born on June 1, 1967, in Kokomo, Indiana, Michael lived his life with passion, loyalty, and a fierce commitment to his family—both by blood and by choice. Michael proudly served his country as a Machinery Repairman Second Class in the U.S. Navy from 1985 to 1989. His time in the Navy forged a deep sense of camaraderie and discipline, traits that defined his life both during and after his service.
After the Navy, Michael worked at Shepherd's Tool until opening Arnie's Woodworking, building custom cabinets. He then followed his father's footsteps by hiring on at Chrysler, where he recently retired from after 30 years. He has always found his freedom and joy in riding his Harley-Davidson. As a dedicated member of the Milwaukee Iron Motorcycle Club, he was known for his loyalty, generosity, and love of the open road. He cherished the brotherhood within the club and was always ready for a ride or a helping hand for his fellow brothers.
Beyond his love for motorcycles, Michael had a deep passion for racing in general, but especially the Indianapolis 500, a race that held a special place in his heart. He never missed a chance to experience the thrill of the Indy 500, sharing his enthusiasm with friends and family. The roar of engines and the speed of the race mirrored the way he lived his life—fast, intense, and full of excitement.
When he wasn’t on the road or following a race, Michael found peace in the great outdoors, often fishing and hunting. But his greatest source of pride and joy came from the time he spent with his family and friends. He was a loving and devoted "chosen" father and grandfather, playing a central role in the lives of his chosen children and grandchildren. You could always catch him playing with the kiddos, and NOT acting his age. His love and commitment to them was unwavering, and they knew they could always count on him for guidance, support, and unconditional love. His heart was as big as the road he traveled, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
Mikey is survived by his mother, Mary June Arnett; brother, Daniel (Rachel) Arnett; extended family, Kaylee (Clay) Anderson, Dylan (Daniela) O'Dell, and Ryland Smith; grandkids, Case & Mabel Anderson; nieces and a nephew, Holly (Jeremy) Ploch, Zach (Alyssa) Arnett and Mary (Joshua) Delaney; as well as other family, and a vast community of friends and fellow riders who became his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Fred Arnett.
There will be a celebration of life for Mikey on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service with Military Honors at 7:30 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main St., Kokomo.
His memory will live on in every ride, every race, and every act of kindness he showed to those around him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kokomo VFW Local 1152 in honor of Mikey's love for motorcycles, racing, and family. “Ride free, Lil' Mike. Fair winds, following seas, and full throttle ahead.”
Linda H. Matheny
Linda H. Matheny, 79, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Century Villa in Greentown, Indiana. She was born June 2, 1945, to Harley and Othello Clark. On January 23, 1966, she married Jerry Lee Matheny.
Linda graduated from Bowling Green High School and received degrees from Tiffin College and Owens Community College. She held various positions in her lifetime, the most important being a farm wife and a mother to her two children. She also had many fond memories of working as the secretary of Portage First United Methodist Church and at Waddington Jewelers in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Linda is survived by her two children, Ben (Julie) Matheny and Jamie Matheny; grandchildren Dayle Matheny, Erin Matheny, and Dashiell Matheny; Dashiell’s mother, Jessica Steytler, sister Darlene Watts and brother-in-law James Matheny. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, parents Harley and Othello Clark, parents-in-law Dale and Ruth Matheny and sister-in-law Toni Matheny.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 1526 E Wooster St., Bowling Green, Ohio. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the food pantry at First United Methodist Church, Bowling Green, Ohio. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation.
Delores E. Oberndorfer
Delores E. Oberndorfer, 95, a former longtime resident of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Florida. She was born February 14, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to Jack and Elizabeth (Kissel) Leslie. On April 16, 1955, she married William Oberndorfer, and they were married for 63 years before he preceded her in death in 2018.
Delores attended the University of Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University, in Detroit, with a bachelor's degree in education. She and William moved to Kokomo in 1957 and lived there for 57 years. They enjoyed being snowbirds until they moved to Royal Palms, Florida, in 2014. They also enjoyed travels on several cruises and to Europe, Alaska, the Panama Canal. Their marriage was blessed with three children—Carl, an engineer, and daughters, Nancy, a nurse, and Mitzi, an entrepreneur.
Delores taught business subjects at Kokomo Evening School, did training at Continental Steel and Haynes Stellite, served as the Taxpayer Service Representative in the Kokomo IRS office, was assistant branch manager at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and conducted classes at Ivy Tech. She served as a Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Den Mother, 4-H Leader, president of Welcome Wagon, state secretary for Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, treasurer of Birthright, and was a member of Pi Omega Pi at Wayne University. She was also a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, since 1957, and had served as president of the Alter Rosary Society and worked on many committees. Delores was very devoted to God and shared her blessings generously. She enjoyed playing Bridge, taking part in Dance Club, and spending time with her family and many friends.
Survivors include her children, Carl Oberndorfer, Nancy (Ronald) Kadlec, and Mitzi Austern; brother, Richard (Jerry) Leslie; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Delores in Florida on September 19, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Delores’ memory to the Poor Clares, 1175 N. 300 W., Kokomo, IN 46902, or Birthright, 3712 Southlea Dr., Kokomo, IN 46902. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.