Arland Lee “Mud” Waters passed to the Lord on November 18,2022 at his home in Naples surrounded by family members including his wife, Carol. He was born in 1937 in Postville, Iowa. He lived his life to the fullest and he was always quick with a joke, a song, and his infectious kindness to anyone in his presence. He is survived by his beloved wife Carol Waters, children Kristen Struyk(David), Kurtis Waters(Tammy), Eric Waters(Ellysia), grandchildren Meagan Krogh(Josh), Sydney Struyk, Alese Waters, Gabrielle Waters, Griffin Struyk, Madeline Waters, Brynn Waters, Lucas Waters, Davyn Waters, great grandchildren Krash, Karvey, and Kal Krogh, sister Julie Minor, and many dear nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his brother Duane and parents Dorothy and George Waters. 

Throughout his life as a Marine, teacher, Jostens’ salesman, athlete, and musician….Mud forged friendships with everyone he touched.  To this day, many remember Muddy Waters helping them with the high school yearbook and attending his summer yearbook camp.  His incredible gift of song was embraced in the Voices of Naples and Church choirs, at celebrations, friends parties, and in all of the family traditions. He and his wife could be found harmonizing a familiar tune and staring into each other’s eyes up until the last week of his life.

Mud was an amazing athlete. In his years wrestling at University of Northern Iowa to later in life as an incredible golfer, tennis and pickle ball player who was somebody you definitely wanted on your side, as he made everything look easy with his smooth swing and competitive spirit… for many years he was the guy to beat. Friends and relatives will forever remember the “Waters Olympics” held annually at the Ham Lake cabin, continuing with the grandkids carrying the torch forward with the family fun and competition.

Muddy is remembered as being a kind, gentle, and loving soul. A devout Christian, he was full of integrity, loving kindness, humor and joy. He gave his time and energy in so many ways to the community around him; in his church, volunteer work as part of the Fargo Kiwanis, and years as a little league coach and mentor to young athletes be their very best. He was a wonderful role model for the kind of human being that his family and friends would try to emulate.  His trail in life touched many friends from coast to coast; Virginia, California, Iowa, St. Paul, Fargo, and eventually their retirement settings at Ham Lake in northern Minnesota and Naples, Florida.

We know he is now in God’s hand and looking over us. The kids and grandkids grew up with their papa singing “If we hold on together, I know our dreams will never die, dreams see us through to forever”.  Here is to the legacy and dreams left behind by Arland “Mud” Waters.

For those touched by the life of Arland “Mud” Waters, we will gather to celebrate his life in Naples, Florida, in January; a memorial will also be held in Minnesota in June 2023. Details will be posted on the Arland Waters Facebook page and Forevermissed memorial site:

https://mud-waters.forevermissed.com/

Memorials are preferred to: The Voices of Naples Scholarship Fund. 

Mail to:  Mariellen Lemasters 2249 Clipper Way, Naples FL 34104