Arnie Jirsa

Arnie Jirsa, age 73 of Marne, IA, went to be with his savior on February 7, 2024, after a 3-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on March 21, 1950, to Elmer and Gladys (Zumpfe) Jirsa in Friend, NE. He grew up and graduated from High School in Geneva, NE. He then went on to obtain an associate degree in electricity from Nebraska Vocational Technical School at Milford, NE. In June 0f 1970, he was hired by Omaha Public Power District and worked in all divisions until settling in the sub-station department. Later in his career becoming sub-station construction Supervisor.

Arnie was united in marriage to Mary Domeier and two children were born to that union: Daniel and Nicole. Then in June of 1986 he was united in marriage to Donna Savage in Omaha and accepted her two children: Tammy and Jason into his life.

He and Donna moved to the Marne area in June of 2003, and he retired from O.P.P.D in June of 2005. He then began his metal art business. He started out mostly selling medium-sized pheasants. It grew to large archways over driveways to wineries, cemeteries, and hunting lodges. He entered several Iowa Artist Guild shows and often received “Best of Show” for his pieces. He was commissioned by people for grave markers for their family members or pets. He was also commissioned by cities or counties for artwork to beautify their parks and trails. Almost every year he donated art to be auctioned off at the Rotary Club Auction. His artwork was unique because he would draw the art, copied it onto metal, cut, shaped and heat colored it all by hand. At last count, he had artwork in at least 35 states and 3 foreign countries.

Arnie is survived by his wife, Donna of Marne; brother, Alvin (Patricia) Jirsa of Omaha, stepdaughter, Tammy (Ric) DeBoodt of Shelby, IA; stepson, Jason (Julie) Savage of Kremmling, CO; son, Daniel (Pamela) Jirsa of Fairfield, CA and daughter, Nicole (Eric) Langdon of Valparaiso, FL; Eleven grandchildren and Eight great grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, IA, with Pastor Dan Wiebesiek officiating. A visitation with a luncheon will be held following the memorial service in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be directed to either the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic or the American Cancer Society in honor of Arnie. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA.