Arnold C. Sandness

Sandness, Arnold C.

94, of Melbourne, FL, formerly of Dayton, OH, passed away on November 1, 2024. He was born in LaMoure, ND on March 7, 1930. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Sr., and Julia (Vallie) Sandness; sister, Shirley Johnson; son Jeffrey Sandness and daughter Melinda Sandness. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marilyn (Smith) Sandness; his daughter, Julie Howard (Philip) of Merritt Island, FL; granddaughter, Laura Ring (Peter); grandson, Benjamin Howard (Dan Smith); and great-grandsons, James and Luke Ring, of Tallahassee, FL; and brother-in-law, Jerry Smith (Shirley) of Union, OH. Arnold is a graduate of Valley City (ND) High School and the University of North Dakota where he played French Horn in the concert and marching bands and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He served as a US Army Infantry Medic in Korea from 1951-52, receiving a commendation ribbon and a Korean service medal with two bronze campaign stars. Arnold moved to Dayton in 1954, where he was employed by Delco Products Division of General Motors for 33 years in various marketing administrative positions. Upon retirement in 1987 he created a marketing consulting service, emphasizing motorsports and trade show displays. For the next 20 years, he helped small businesses succeed as a full-time volunteer for SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). He served as Chapter Chair of Dayton SCORE, where they won National Chapter of the Year in 2002. He also served as District Director for SCORE in Southern Ohio for the next six years. After moving to The Brennity at Melbourne (FL) retirement community in 2016, he enjoyed singing, playing bridge and poker, as well as other activities. Arnold and his wife Marilyn traveled widely and have enjoyed living close to family and taking cruises and other vacations with them. A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on May 30th at Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH. Guests received from 6-7pm, followed by the Celebration of Life at 7pm. Interment of ashes will be at Dayton Memorial Park and Cemetery at a later date to be determined. Donations can be made to the University of Dayton, Sandness Conference Award Fund c/o Department of Music; the Dayton Chapter of SCORE; or a charity of your choice.