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Remembering Arnie Haider: Longtime JCPenney manager and Galesburg civic leader

By: Jay Redfern
July 1, 2025
Local News

A former manager of the JCPenney store at Sandburg Mall and an active Galesburg community leader has died.

Arnold “Arnie” Haider, who spent 43 years with JC Penney, died Friday, June 27, at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville. He was 85.

Born Dec. 10, 1939, in St. Anthony, North Dakota, Haider’s career with JCPenney spanned 43 years, beginning in high school in Mandan, North Dakota, and culminating in his role as store manager at the Galesburg store in Sandburg Mall from 1992 until his retirement in 1998. His dedication earned him two of JCPenney’s highest honors, The President’s Cup and The Chairman’s Award of Excellence. He also served as assistant manager in Mandan and Williston, North Dakota, and North Platte, Nebraska, and as store manager in Hartford City, Indiana, Marion, Illinois, Quincy, Illinois, and Columbus, Nebraska.

Obituary: Arnold J. “Arnie” Haider ~ December 10, 1939 — June 27, 2025

His community involvement extended to the Sunrise Rotary Club, where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award, and boards including the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Knox County, Knox County YMCA, Soangetaha Country Club and the National Stearman Fly-in.

He was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Galesburg, serving as a eucharistic minister and in various leadership roles.

Known for his love of family, his obituary says Haider cherished his role as Grandpa, delighting his 10 grandchildren with fishing trips, golf cart rides, and playful antics. He also enjoyed golfing, traveling, and connecting with neighbors and his coffee group.

He was married to Angeline “Angie” Bosch for more than 60 years, raising five children.

Haider is survived by his wife, Angie; five children, Daryl, Kevin, Kari, Renata, and Steven; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dennis.

Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, July 11 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.