It is with immense earthly sorrow and yet immense heavenly joy that we share the passing of Stephen (Steve) Todd Arnst, 66, on May 12, 2026, from complications of a year’s long batter of aggressive, refractory multiple myeloma. Steve was born on October 30, 1959, in San Jose, California, the 7th of 8 children to David and Carolyn Arnst.

Shortly after graduating high school, Steve began working for Hewlett Packard in Santa Clara, California. Through mutual friends, he met his soon to be bride of 42 years, Tiana. It was love at first sight for both of them! They would soon take a trip to Yosemite to visit family, and it was there that Steve proposed to Tiana at Inspiration Point. Steve jokingly tells the story that it was the perfect place to propose because, “we stood close to the edge, and if she said no…it would be just a little push!” They married within a year on September 15, 1984, and 3 years later welcomed their daughter, Brianne, followed by their son, Steve, 14 months later. Steve and Tiana then decided to move the family to Oregon, in February of 1992, where Steve would continue working for H.P. Corvallis, taking early retirement after 30 years. Steve then went on to earn an AA degree in Water/Wastewater Management. Being unable to find a job in his field of study, an opportunity arose with the Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS), where he recently retired as the district locksmith after 12 years.

How does one summarize and honor the life of the most amazing, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend? First and foremost, Steve was a man of great faith who had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Steve loved his country. A couple of his proudest moments in life were attending the graduation ceremony of his son, Steve, when he became a Marine, followed by the graduation ceremony of his son, Steve, from the police academy. Steve was a humble and gentle man, loyal and hardworking to a fault, and loved by all who knew him. He had the absolute best laugh and sense of humor. He loved going to church and having fellowship. He adored his 5 grandchildren, and absolutely loved his Airedale, Scout. He enjoyed a day at the gun range, fishing/swimming with the grandkids, coaching/playing/watching sports (Go Volcanoes – shout out to Rob Durbin!), trips to the coast, and growing vegetables in the raised beds that he built in the backyard. Steve also loved listening to his music, including 80s classic rock, R&B, disco, Christian contemporary and the classic church hymns from the red hymnal, and a wee bit of country (Johnny Cash).

Steve is survived by his bride of 42 years, Tiana, daughter Brianne (grandkids Archer and Vivienne), and son, Steve (wife Sami, grandkids Elah, Jordy, and Rudi Rae). He is preceded in death by his parents David and Carolyn and brother, Chuck Arnst.

Please join us on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 at 4 Spirits Distillery, 3405 SW Deschutes Street, Corvallis. Let’s celebrate and raise a glass to Steve!

To my dear husband and honey man, “my eternal love.” “I love you forever and a day. “ “Soon…soon.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only me but also to ALL who have longed for His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Rest now, my honey man, in the arms of our loving Savior, Jesus. I will see you again! Maranatha!