Peter G. Arnott

Peter G. "Pete" Arnott, 87, of Benton, Illinois, formerly of Zeigler and Murphysboro, passed away at 9:15 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2013 at the StoneBridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

Pete was born Aug. 16, 1925 in Zeigler to Peter and Lillian (O'Brien) Arnott.

He is survived by two local nieces, Pat Ferrari of Du Quoin and Jeanne Krelo and her husband, Joe, of Elkville; a great nephew, Jason Krelo of St. Louis, Mo. and a great niece, Jennifer Krelo of Elkville.

He is also survived by nieces, Susan Nikolich (Mike) of Lake Barrington, Dianne Schuyler (Hugo Rodríguez) of Evanston and Nancy Struzik (Tod) of Dyer, Ind.; nephews, Peter Schuyler (Diane) of Chicago, John Schuyler of Herrin, Phillip Schuyler of Roselle and Dennis Brooks (Renee) of Crown Point, Ind. and four great nieces and a great nephew, Kyle Schuyler, Jackie Schuyler, Christine Nikolich, Jessica Nikolich and Samantha Struzik.

His parents and three sisters, Lillian Schuyler, Helen Ferrari, and Jean Brooks preceded him in death.

Mr. Arnott was a devout Catholic and a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Zeigler, the St. Andrews Church in Murphysboro and the St. Joseph's Church in Benton during his life.

He retired from Murphysboro High School where he was a Guidance Counselor for 26 years. He had previously taught at Benton High School and Zeigler High School. Mr. Arnott also worked as a tour guide for Presley Tours during his retirement. He was also an Air Force Veteran and a member of the Paul Stout Post 127 American Legion in Murphysboro. Mr. Arnott was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Murphysboro, National Education Association, Illinois Education Association and Past President of the Murphysboro Education Association. He graduated from St. Henry's, Belleville, Quincy College and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Pete enjoyed watching sports, including his beloved Murphysboro Red Devils and the St. Louis Cardinals and traveling.

A funeral mass for Mr. Arnott will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Royalton with Father Joseph Trapp officiating. Interment will be at St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Cemetery, east of Royalton with military honors courtesy of the Zeigler and Orient American Legions, the West Frankfort VFW and the Marion National Guard Flag Detail. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m., Saturday at the church prior to the services.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Arnott are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice or masses. Envelopes will be available at the church. Vantrease Funeral Homes, Inc. of Zeigler and Royalton is in charge of the services. Visit www.vantreasefuneralhome.com for more information and to sign the online register book.