Memorial
Dee “Toby” LeRoy Arnold, 90, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after a sudden illness. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with a graveside service following. Military honors will be rendered at the graveside service.
Toby was born June 11, 1935, to Lexie and Lucille (Brooks) Arnold in Perry, Iowa. He married the love of his life, Yvonne Wolleat on January 29, 1959, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Toby proudly served in the U.S. Army-National Guard. He then volunteered with the American Legion for many years until he was physically unable to continue. Toby gave over thirty-five years of service to Rockwell Collins. During his time there, he was very proud to serve as the President of their Union. He had strong feelings for employee rights and safe working conditions.
Toby had many hobbies. He loved touring on his Gold Wing motorcycle with the Gold Wing Touring Association, with Yvonne riding behind him. They traveled the country together and had many exciting, fun times, and formed lifelong friendships. He loved golfing and played every winter while wintering in Casa Grande, Arizona. In the last several years he golfed in Corpus Christi, Texas. He also loved to bowl and was still bowling by himself for the last couple years when he had no one to play with. But most of all he loved his family. He was a wonderful father.
Toby is survived by his daughters, Terri Mirkes of Cedar Rapids, IA, DeAnn Smith of Corpus Christi, TX, and Connie Frank of Cedar Rapids, IA; grandchildren, Jeremy, Chelsea, Brionna, and Josh; and two great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne; his son, Donald; his parents, Lexie and Lucille; his siblings, Butch, Dick, and Marilyn.
A special thank you to all of Toby’s friends through the years, and those who were there for him after his stroke, lifting his spirits and bringing some joy to his life. He appreciated every one of you. A very special thanks to his Collins Rec Center friends, “The Table of Wisdom.” You meant so much to him and he loved you all. He really missed you on the days he could not join you.
He will be missed by many.