Arnold W. Rother, 50, of Hallettsville, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2010. He was born on March 10, 1960, in Lavaca County, to Angelina Rother and the late Herman Rother. On June 8, 1980, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Kresta) Rother, of Hallettsville, at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moulton, Texas. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

At an early age, Arnold had a passion for cars and pursued his passion through the years as he built a business he loved so much. He enjoyed the weekly grind of attending auctions, making his rounds on the road, and helping his customers and fellow dealers with anything they needed. When he was not buying or selling cars, Arnold loved going to the races at Shady Oaks Speedway and Texana Raceway and watching NASCAR on the SPEED channel.

Arnold also enjoyed trying his luck at the blackjack tables. Though the cards sometimes were not dealt in his favor, he found great pleasure shooting the breeze with surrounding players and telling the dealers what they needed to do in order for him to win. He never met a stranger and always kept his company entertained and laughing with his continuous jokes.

He was a dedicated and compassionate husband, father and grandfather. He always made sure his family was well taken care of with whatever they needed.

His presence will be greatly missed by his family and friends but his memory will always stay strong and remain in our hearts.

Arnold is survived by his wife Mary Ann Rother; son Brian Rother and wife Nicole of Hallettsville; daughter Kristin Bulanek and husband Patrick of Alvin; grandson Brayden Rother; mother Angelina Rother; sister Patricia Pavliska and husband Gary; sister Charlene Koncaba and husband Charles; brother Marvin Rother and wife Sharon; brother Kenneth Rother and wife Janet; sister Dorothy Wilson and friend Jimmy Berckenhoff; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends and his beloved dog Sadie.

Arnold was preceded in death by his father Herman Rother.

Funeral Mass Service: 10:30 am, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation: 2 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers (Arnold's Nephews): Richard Rother, Allen Rother, Aaron Rother, Randy Satsky, Mike Satsky, and David Satsky. Honorary Pallbearers: Earl Logue, Hayne Hermes, Kenny Griffin, Cindy Griffin, Derrall Russell, Louis Michelson, R.L. Bordovsky, Michael Brandes, and Andrea Jefferson. Memorials: contributions may be given to Hospice of South Texas; 404 Texana, Hallettsville, Texas 77964. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

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