Obituary of Arnold Joseph Discher, Sr.
Arnold “Arnie” Joseph Discher Sr., 75, died of complications from peritonitis on January 5, 2022. Arnie was born on January 22, 1946 in Monroe, Michigan to the late Ruth M. (Emerson) and Joseph F. Discher. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central in 1964 and attended Ferris State University and Monroe County Community College.
Arnie was able to celebrate 54 years of marriage with his bride, Carol (Graver). Together they raised three children Jennifer (Louis), Skip (Laura), Andrew (Stephenie) and thoroughly enjoyed Grandchildren Joseph and Audrey.
Arnie was employed by General Motors for more than 40 years where his final position was as a Senior Buyer in the Purchasing Department. In retirement, he continued to serve by driving the Mercy Health Van. In addition to being a loyal employee, he was an engaged citizen in every community in which he lived. He served as President of both the St. Patrick and St. Mary Parish Councils, as well as the SMCC’s Band Boosters. He was a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Worship Commission, the St. Pat’s Men’s Athletic Club, and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. Arnie volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Democratic Party (Vote Blue), and 4-H. In his earlier years, he coached baseball and flag football. As a trumpet player, Arnie earned the John Philip Sousa Award, had fun playing with the SMCC band–even as an alum, the Ollie North Contra Band.
One of Arnie’s favorite roles was a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a Scoutmaster, member of the Order of the Arrow, and most recently worked with the preparation of Eagle Scouts. Arnie received several accolades for his service to the community including the Wilfred Simpson Church Person of the Year Award, the Monroe Catholic Central Alumnus of the Year Award, the District 4 Minute Man Award for Outstanding Service to Michigan and the Community, the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award for exemplary service to young people, the James West Fellowship, the Ad Altare Dei Award, and the St. George Emblem.
Arnie’s upmost priority was his family. He was a generous and loving spouse and the best of the best in the Dad and Tapa categories. This noble man exuded integrity, compassion, and honor—continually helping anyone in need. Be it food, transportation, or shelter, he was there to lend a hand.
Arnie was fun. He found joy in attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting activities, cheering for his kids’ and grandkids’ college football teams (Notre Dame, University of Cincinnati, and Team Black and White Stripes), playing golf (he always got his money out of the course) and cards with his sibling-like cousins, and traveling (he made it to 46 of the 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Italy, England, Scotland, Bahamas, Puerto Rico). Arnie was known as a lethal euchre and pinochle player, and an awesome bread baker, salsa maker, and wine maker.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Arnie is survived by sister and brother-in-law Joanne and Lee Simmons, brother-in-law Don Stumpmier Sr., nieces, nephews Dawn (Scott), Don Jr. (Kathy), Tracey (Dave), Julie (Les), Lee Jr. (Chrissy), several grand nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law Luke and Alma Graver and sister-in-law Jacqueline Stumpmier.
Friends may gather on Sunday; January 9, 2022 from 1:30pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. He will lie in state on Monday; January 10, 2022 from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church; 127 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie. Private inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. Due to the ongoing pandemic the family will not be hosting a luncheon to help keep people safe.
As a pre-vaccine 2020 COVID survivor, Arnie was an adamant proponent of following science, wearing masks, and getting fully vaccinated. To honor his memory and to minimize the community spread of the omicron variant, the family requests that attendees properly wear a mask for services at the funeral home and in the Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Boy Scout Troop 566 of Carleton, Michigan or Oaks of Righteousness in Monroe.