Arnold Christian Martinsen, 86, of Racine, Wis., reached up for God on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, and was granted his wings after suffering with Alzheimers.

Arnold was born July 10, 1926, in Racine to Arnold Christian and Martha (Johnson) Martinsen. Arnold served in the United States Marine Corps, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division during World War II. He served in Nagasaki and Okinawa in Japan; in Hawaii; and in the U.S. territories of Saipan and Tinian. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he joined the Air Force Reserve. Arnold was a master electrician all of his life and retired from Twin Disc in 1992.

Arnold, along with his wife, Marian, volunteered for 20 years at St. Luke’s Hospital in Racine. For 25 years, he was very active in working with people in the Skill Bank Program. He was a friend of Bill W. for over 40 years and had helped hundreds of people who were suffering from the horrors of addiction. He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church.

Arnold enjoyed his multiple great grandchildren. He loved to walk miles every day and his whistle will truly be missed by those who were ever so blessed to have heard him.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Downey; two infant children; his parents; his brother Ray; and his sisters Pat, Betty and Jan.

Arnold is survived by his wife of 65 years: Marian Martinsen, Racine; son and daughter-in-law: Robert (Marty) and Paula (DeFor) Martinsen, Austin; four grandchildren: Brian, John, Annie and Jerry; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is assisting with arrangements.