Douglas Emil Arbet, age 78, passed peacefully from this life on the morning of January 10th, 2026. He was born on December 6, 1947, to the late Emil and Margaret (Huffstodt) Arbet. He was the devoted husband of his beloved wife, Penny Arbet, who preceded him in death in 2024.

Douglas proudly served as a food inspector overseas during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he went on to manage the family’s cranberry production company in Phillips, Wisconsin. Known for his adventurous spirit, Douglas embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. In his younger years, he was something of an adrenaline enthusiast—finding joy in speedboating, skiing, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and target shooting. He also fulfilled a lifelong fascination with aviation, piloting small single-engine propeller aircraft.

Douglas is survived by his son, Paul Arbet, and Paul’s husband, John Ventimiglia, of Atlanta, Georgia; his stepchildren, Jane McCauley and her husband Blaine of Rock Springs, Wyoming; Justin Scott of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Troy Scott of Tucson, Arizona; Jaelene Casey and her husband Justin of Marana, Arizona; and Tonya Pettenger and her husband Michael of Armington, Illinois; step-grandchildren Shel Guymon, Chalee Christensen, Daniel Guymon, KylieScott, Gloria Scott, Cassandra Scott, Jordan Casey, Kellan Casey, Devon Casey, Wesley Pettenger, Aleshia Pettenger, Janae Pettenger, Elanna Pettenger, Sophia Pettenger, and Olivia Pettenger; special friend David Seidel, Tucson, AZ.

In addition to his parents and his wife Penny, Douglas was preceded in death by his son, Keith Douglas Arbet, and his brother, John Elliott Arbet.

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