Garrett Joseph Arnold

Garrett Joseph Arnold, 37, of Waterloo, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, June 6, 2021.  He was born December 16, 1983, in Hawaii, son of Debra (Melick) Eckerman.  Garrett loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking the mountains of Colorado.  He loved his motorcycles and his dogs.  Garrett had a heart so big and he loved many.  He would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it.  Garrett was your go-to if you needed help with anything and he would come at the drop of a hat.  If it was something new to him, well then there was always Google.  Garrett self-taught any task handed to him and was a wiz at math.  He loved sushi and had music playing at all times.  Fixing cars, radios and sound systems was a passion, but give him that motorcycle and look out!  He would be gone for hours and miles with the wind blowing in his hair – oops – what hair?!

Garrett was a problem solver.  He had to know why things were they way they were and how they worked.  He had the biggest heart where there was always room for more.  He brought joy in many ways to those who, truly, knew him.  Garrett loved all of his children and spent so many hours laughing, playing and teaching them new things.

Garrett was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dick and Anne Melick; and best friend, Jake.  He is survived by his mother, Deb; step-father, Lloyd; his sister, Diana; children and step-children: Gabi, Autumn, Collin, Dayton, Jaida, AJ and Rhiannon; his life partner, Michelle; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Garrett's Celebration of Life will begin at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home of Cedar Falls.  Friends and family are asked to share their best memories of Garrett beginning at 4:30 pm.  If you aren't comfortable speaking publicly, write down your memory and it can be read on your behalf.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.  Condolences can be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.