David Michael Arkenberg

David Michael Arkenberg passed away on Nov 21, 2023, after a 228-day battle with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. He was born in Clinton, Iowa on April 23, 1966. He was the youngest child of Henry ”Hank” Arkenberg and Sandra (Nee: Vilmont) Arkenberg. He was a graduate of Clinton High School, and the University of Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Upon graduation, he accepted a position in IT at JI Case, now CNH, and moved to Racine Wisconsin. He left CNH in 2014 after 25 years of service.

He met his wife Bridget Graham Arkenberg at the Yardarm Bar & Grill in Racine. When she voiced an interest in learning to play golf, he said he could teach her the game that he loved so well and had such a passion for. What began as a friendship, evolved into a serious relationship, and after 12 years together they were married on June 27, 2015, in a ceremony at the Wind Point Lighthouse.

Dave’s passion for the game of golf led him and Bridget to become volunteers for the PGA, and USGA. They volunteered for all of the PGA and USGA Major Tournaments held in Wisconsin from 2008 to 2021, beginning with the 2008 Mid-Amateur and followed by the 2010 & 2015 PGA Championships, 2011 US Amateur, 2017 US Open, and 2020 Ryder Cup. Dave also achieved the elusive Hole- in -one in 2022, Twice!

Upon leaving CNH, Dave looked for opportunities to pursue his passion for golf and that led him to the position of Golf Coach at St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, from 2015 to 2022. The highlight of his coaching career was coaching Sarah Busey to the Division 2 Girls State Championship in 2017.

Winters in Wisconsin, when the weather was not conducive to playing golf, led Dave to a second career as a tax preparer for H&R Block where he worked from 2016 until the time of his illness.

In addition to golf, Dave took up Pickleball and was a member of the Racine Area Pickleball Club.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Bridget Graham Arkenberg, brother James(Loan) Arkenberg of Cedar Rapids IA, sister Nancy (John) Seitz of North Augusta, SC, brothers in law John Graham and Brian Graham(Jody Graceffa) of Racine, WI, sister in law Mary Graham of Sturtevant, WI, nieces and nephews; Kelly (Robert) Wilson of Jacksonville FL, Kara (Andy) Cecil of St. Augustine Fl, Emily (Ryan) Beardsworth and Michael “Hank”Arkenberg of Cedar Rapids IA, Sam Arkenberg of Cedar Falls, IA, and Nathaniel Barnett of Round Lake, IL ; grand nieces and nephews, Anna and Aria Cecil, Ella and Scarlet Wilson, Maximus Barnett, and baby boy Beardsworth coming in March, 2024. He is also survived by a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and great friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his Father and Mother-in-law; Tom & Sue Graham, Grandparents, Floyd and Lois Vilmont, and Robert and Marie Arkenberg and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Ives Grove Golf Links in Sturtevant, WI. Golf will commence at noon followed by a celebration at 3 pm

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Tee -Southeast Wisconsin, The Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, or the charity of your choice.