ARNIE AUSTGEN MERRILLVILLE, IN Arnie Austgen, age 91, of Merrillville was called home by his Lord and Savior on July 24, 2012 with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 14, 1921 to William and Mary Austgen. Arnie grew up working on his parent's dairy farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in World War II aboard the USS Makin Island. After honorably serving his country, for which he was very proud to do, he married his sweetheart, Margaret, in 1948 at Holy Trinity Church in East Chicago. Together they purchased a farm and were soon blessed with a son, Randy; and later on, a daughter, Suzie. Arnie worked on his farm as well as was a Union Carpenter, Local #599, for Brant Construction until he retired. He enjoyed elk hunting in Wyoming, fishing, and also deer hunting on his farm. Arnie also raised and trained hunting dogs. He loved his horses and enjoyed taking trips with Margaret to Texas to visit his old Navy buddy and family. Arnie was a member of the Griffith American Legion Post #66 and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Arnie leaves behind his son, Randy Austgen; daughter, Suzie (Jayce) Austgen-Scheidt; granddaughter, Brooke (Jeff) Walls; grandson, Daniel Austgen; great granddaughter, Sydney Rose Walls; sister-in-law, Ermadeen Austgen; and niece, Kathleen Austgen. He also leaves behind two very dear longtime friends: Louie Erb and Howard Keen. Preceded in death by his dear wife, Margaret; mother and father: William and Mary; two brothers: Sylvester and Raymond; and one sister, Cecelia. Arnie was a hard working man who had many good friends, had wonderful vacation memories, and always made sure that his family had what they needed. May God bless him and grant him eternal rest. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Parish, U.S. Route 30 in Schererville, with Fr. Ted Mauch celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Schererville. Friends may meet with the family on Friday, July 27, 2012 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home , 921 W. 45th Ave., Griffith. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave., Munster, IN 46321, the Humane Society of the Calumet Area, 421 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321, or a charity of your choice . For more information, please call White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100.