MARTIN CHELBERG ARNTZEN, JR.

Martin (Marty) Chelberg  Arntzen, Jr., born February 25, 1942 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, passed away February 20, 2016 at Hospice at the Chaplaincy at the age of 73. Marty grew up in York, Maine, not far from the Atlantic Ocean. His favorite seafood was Maine Lobster.  Marty worked at The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a Machinist. He then joined the Navy as a submariner and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Over the years he was assigned to many subs such as the USS Torsk, USS Cloaker, the USS Albacore, the USS Crevalle and the last boat was the USS Sea Leopard. Marty spent over 20 years in the Naval Reserves and was recently inducted in the Holland club with over 50 years of service.

Martin and Kathleen met on a “blind date” arranged by her best friend, and were married in 1967. After getting out of active duty he and Kathleen moved to York, Maine.  Marty and family moved to Richland in 1975. Marty worked several years as a QA Engineer with many companies at the Hanford site.

Marty was involved in many things and organizations over the years. He was a Jaycee, a mason, Precinct Committee Chairman for Benton County Republican Party. He served on the Department of Developmental Disabilities board. He was a child advocate for the Richland School District.  He was very involved with Special Olympics. Marty was in a few plays for RLOC. His favorite was the Man of La Mancha.  Marty enjoyed singing in the church choir for many years. He loved to listen to Elvis Gospel. Marty loved to ski and was hoping to ski one last time before his heart told him no. He was the ski club treasurer for several years.

Martin is survived by his wife, Kathleen A. Arntzen; son, Michael D. Arntzen; daughter Karen L. (Arntzen) Strait (husband John); daughter, Kristen L. Arntzen (husband Neal Bailey); and brother, Allen D. Arntzen from Largo, Florida; granddaughters: Kayla L. Strait, Mackenzie A. Arntzen, Jenna N. Strait; grandsons: Jacob T. Strait and Milo G. Bailey.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Chelberg Arntzen, Sr. and Mae Besty (Agre) Arntzen and son, Marcus Damon Arntzen.

There will be a celebration of life on March 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  at Hillspring  Church on 1153 Gage Blvd. with a  graveside service at 2:00 p.m. with Military honors at Sunset Gardens on the by-pass highway.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics in Marty’s name.