Allen “Al” J. Arndt, 77, of Hutchinson passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Memorials preferred to Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter.
 Allen (Al) John Arndt was born January 1, 1948, in Hutchinson to Alvin and Violet (Schmeling) Arndt. He received his education in Hutchinson and graduated with Hutchinson High School, class of 1965, after which he continued his education at vocational school in Alexandria.
 After school, Al held employment with Northrup King which allowed him to see many parts of the country in his words “on the company’s dime”. He eventually returned to Hutchinson and after holding various jobs, opened Al’s Coin and Shirt shop downtown. First near the State Theater and later on Main Street. He also played live music for many years around the area most notably in the Alan Greenwood Band and Country Classics.
 In the mid 1990s, Al decided to close up shop and pursue the dream of gold prospecting full time. For the next 10+ years he lived in an Airstream travel trailer spending his summers prospecting for gold in northern California and winters in Arizona/Nevada working in casinos and exploring the desert.
 After years on the road, he returned home to Hutchinson and reopened Al’s Coins and Collectables for a few years until eventually retiring to a home in Cosmos. In late 2024, he became a resident of Harmony River in Hutchinson when he was no longer able to take care of the day-to-day on his own.
 Any conversation with Al would typically start with “What’s shakin’?” and naturally gravitate toward three things: the price of gold, old girlfriends, and his love of animals for which he especially had a soft spot for cats. He was always quick with a joke or three, usually off-color. At the time of this writing, gold is at record highs, the status of old girlfriends is unknown, and his remaining beloved cats have found new homes.
 Al is survived by Buck the cat; brother, Brian (Pam) Arndt of Hutchinson; nephews, Paul (Heidi) Arndt, Eric Arndt; niece Erin (Joseph) Kolp.
 He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Violet Arndt; and his many cats over the years including but not limited to: Fritz, Toby, Cici, Gremlin, Foxy, Bean, and his favorite pal, Pete.
 Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.