NEWTON — Ira I. Arrowsmith, 94, died on Wednesday (March 9, 2011) at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita. He was born on July 7, 1916, in Halstead to Boyd and Ida (Chapin) Arrowsmith. On Sept. 25, 1937, he married Hilda Kater in Newton. She preceded him in death on Oct. 2, 2010. Ira was a longtime active member of First United Church of Christ in Newton. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from August 1943 to November 1945. Ira was deployed on Anzio Beach and fought though Italy as a staff sergeant of K Company, 133rd Infantry 34th Red Bull Division. He was awarded three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. Upon returning to Newton, Ira worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also was a member of the Midwestern Polka Club. He enjoyed fishing, tending his rose garden, traveling and dancing. His family was important to him, and he greatly looked forward to spending time with his loving family and many friends. He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Karen and Bob Hummel of Davenport, Iowa; sister, Dora Bond of Lovell, Wyo.; sister-in-law, Pearl Kater of Sedgwick; two grandsons, Glen and his wife, Carrie Hummel of Davenport, Iowa, and Ross and his wife, Michelle Hummel of San Francisco; five great-grandchildren, Emily, Luke and Nathan Hummel of Davenport, Iowa, and Soren and Emerson Hummel of San Francisco. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, with the family greeting friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First United Church of Christ in Newton. Pastor Jerry Scribner will preside. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Memorials may be left with First United Church of Christ or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, in care of the funeral home.