Arnold L. Espe
Arnie was a great one. I recall when I entered the CR School District and became aware of Arnie. He was a leader for many and someone you always enjoyed saying hello to and shake his firm hand. It wasn't until later that I realized he was a leader, state wide. I began to see him at State events and realized he was also a leader at that level. He made us all better by showing us the way. We will miss him but never forget what he did for our CR area but also the State of Iowa. I'm sure the family will miss him a great deal and I hope you too, have many great memories to keep you smiling and warm for years to come. Dave Coates Counselor and Coach
Dave Coates
Cedar Rapids
IA
We have lost a great neighbor and friend. He was always willing to give a helping hand, visit in the driveway, share a joke or two with a great laugh. I know Rog and I wish we could have said good bye in person. You will be missed Arnie. To Irene a very special lady we send our condolances, and want you to know we are here for you. To the children and grandchildren our sympathies to all of you. Caryle and Rog
Caryle & Rog
Cedar Rapids
IA
We are thinking of you and keeping all of you in our prayers. Gramps was a very special person!
Mary & Marlin Kirkdorffer
Eldora
IA
I was a student at Harding Jr. High in the late 60's. I played Baseball for Mr.Espe, He was the best fundamental Baseball coach that I was associated with and later taught my three sons the game the way Arnie taught it to me. We played golf together at Twin Pines about 10 years ago and had a good reunion. My prayers are with you at this time.
Jim Scott
Cedar Rapids
IA
We will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Arnie will be a friend forever in our hearts.
Joan, Mick, & Kara Walker
Jewell
IA
We are sending you our sincere sympathy as you mourn your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. God bless.
Vern and Cathie Jungling
Moravia
IA
I was saddened to hear about the passing of "Gramps." I benefited from his example and instruction at the Marshalltown Baseball School from 1950 to 1955. Along with Ben Trickey and Bill Vana he taught several of us boys how to play the game the way it was meant to be played. Our Marshalltown St. Mary's team advanced to the sub-state tournament two years running 1957 and 1958. He was an excellent role model for young boys and he will be sorely missed.
Larry Dougherty
North Liberty
IA
Pleasant memories of teaching with Arnie at Roosevelt Junior High in the 60's. I was band director there, and he shared memories of his experiences in the Army band, under the direction of Clyde Roller, who later became well known as a symphony conductor. Arnie must have been a good clarinet player, in addition to his athletic accomplishments. He was a good friend in the teaching profession. My sympathy to his family. Luman Lu Colton
Luman Colton
Cedar Rapids
IA
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. May happy memories of the past give you strength. Thinking of you all. Laura and Russ Triplett
Laura Triplett
Cedar Rapids
IA
The Dorsey family offers it's condolences to yours at this sad time. Shared memories through the years of school and golf make your loss our loss too. God bless. Herbert L. Dorsey Sr. family
Herb Dorsey
Cedar Rapids
IA
I am sorry to learn of the death of Arnie. I taught with him for many years at Roosevelt. My sincere sympathy to his family. Suzanne Snyder
Suzanne Snyder
Belle Plaine
IA
Where to start... Arnold was like a 2nd Dad to me during a rough time in my life. He encouraged me to keep my home across the street from he and Irene on Gateway St by renting out rooms following a divorce. He helped me with home owners issues plumbing etc... and was always there to lend a helping hand and visit along the street. He said that someone had been there for his daughter when he couldn't be and he really was like a father to me my Guardian Angel at the time. Because of him I have so many dear friends from the old neighborhood. What I'm guessing to be one of Arnold's funniest memories was looking out his kitchen window at 1:30/2:00 in the morning after my roomate and I returned home from DeSota's at that time and we were camped out with blanket and beer waiting for another roomate to return home and were spraying him with water hose as he came up the driveway. Never thought anyone was watching but Arnold told us the next day, that he had witnessed such an act :-. He mentioned several times how cool it was that my name was Marianne and he had a Mary and a Ann. Arnold, I love you and appreciate all you have done for me in my life. Our deepest sympathys go out to the whole family. You have been blessed by having such a man as a husband, father and grandfather. Marianne
Marianne Wink
Toddville
IA
I was saddened to learn of Arnie's passing. He was a wonderful educator who taught young people "how to do things the correct way." And, he made significant contributions to high school athletics. In recent years, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with him at the IGHSAU state basketball and state softball tournaments. He was a true gentleman and friend. My sympathy to the Espe family. Duane Kramer Former CRCSD Athletic Administrator
Duane Kramer
Sun Lakes
AZ
Irene & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We want you to know that we have such fond memories of our days in Cedar Rapids teaching with Arnie at Roosevelt. Jim has lots of stories and I remember his being such a gentleman. We so appreciated your visit to us here in Kellogg. We were privileged to know Arnie and the best part is that we will be able to spend eternity with him. May God richly bless you and comfort you.
Jim & Norma Seaton
Kellogg
ID
Irene, Mark and Cindy, I was saddened to return from vacation to learn that we would no longer run in to Arnie at Oscar's! Seems like we did a lot of catching up on the old Noelridge neighborhood at that time. Please accept my sympathy and cherish the memories that he created!! I will be sure to let Teddy know of your loss. Sincerely,
Mary Protsman Odegaard
Hiawatha
IA
I met Arnie at the U of Iowa when we were both on the baseball team. After graduation we played for the Marshalltown Ansons for several years along with Ben Trickey and my brother Bill, and ran the baseball school. We became good friends. I was his best man at his wedding to Irene. He was influential in getting me to come to Cedar Rapids and join the CR school system. In the following years we spent much time together attending athletic contests at U of Iowa and several times in Milwaukee at the Braves games. We got together with the Braves by assisting them in tryout camps they ran at the Ansons baseball park. We also played many rounds of golf together highlighted by Letterman's day at U of Iowa where we played with other former baseball teammates. Many times when I had little problems, such as fixing something at home, I callled him and he always gladly helped me out. I will miss those times greatly.