BRUCE ARNOUX Obituary

Bruce Harry Arnoux, original Chicago franchise owner of Mail Boxes Etc. and a Purple Heart recipient whose image as a young soldier is etched on the wall of the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC, died on August 3, 2022. He was 91. Bruce met his beloved wife, partner and best friend, Marilynn, while he was attending Sullivan High School and she was attending Evanston High School. Their romance was interrupted by the Korean War. Bruce served his country in the infantry, and when he arrived back in Chicago after being wounded in the war and writing many love letters to Marilynn, the first thing he did was ask her to marry him. Bruce worked with his father, Harry (Pappy) in his jewelry store but yearned to make his own mark. Bruce's initial peripatetic career included working with and befriending Don Koehler, the world's tallest man, and coining Big Joe's marketing slogan, "I am a dumb ox, ask me why*" The iconic slogan was a huge national success. Bruce understood that the Arnoux spirit is one of entrepreneurship and strong work ethic, and he became the original territorial and franchise owner of Mail Boxes Etc. in the Chicagoland area. Bruce built his business with his son, Mark, for thirty-five years, retiring only five months ago. Bruce played the trumpet, loved the Opera and enjoyed baseball. He was an avid reader whose favorite authors were James Salter and John Steinbeck. He was reading Steinbeck's "Pastures to Heaven" before passing away. His literary interests were diverse, and he recently gave Camus' "The Stranger" to one of his sons, excitingly pointing out that the first line of the book was one of the best first lines ever to be written. Bruce's strongest and enduring love was for his family. He was an elder at Saint Peter Lutheran church in Arlington Heights and provided his children with the best parochial education to help them build character and succeed in life. He found time to coach his children's sports teams and was proud of the championships he piloted. His greatest love was for his beloved wife of sixty-eight years, Marilynn, whom he was fortunate to live with independently. Every night, they kissed each other goodnight. Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Marilynn Arnoux; and his four loving children, Kimberly (Thomas) Aronhalt; Mark (Barbara) Arnoux; Matthew (Bobbi Panter) Arnoux; and Michelle Arnoux. He is also survived by his seven adoring grandchildren, Philip Aronhalt, Bethany (David) Williams, Paul Aronhalt, Erin Arnoux, Christian (Tess) Arnoux, Clifford Arnoux and Ty Arnoux; as well as devoted la famille elargie, Karen Markese; and his golden retriever, Aimee. A celebration of Bruce's life will be on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with a service starting a 12:00 noon. Information, 847-253-0224 or Meadowsfh.com.