Armand "Mike" Varenholt, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025. He was born on August 28, 1931 in New Orleans, LA to his parents John J. Varenholt Sr. and Clare Ruhlman Varenholt.

Mike graduated from Brother Martin High School in New Orleans and then left to join the Navy during the Korean war. While in the Navy, he attended several schools and eventually became stationed in Jacksonville, FL with the Hurricane Hunters (VW-4). It was during this time, that he met the love of his life Mildred, and was married in 1955. Their marriage lasted 63 years.

Upon his end of tour from the service, he attended and graduated from the University of Florida. In January of 1963, he was commissioned as a Special Agent in the US Secret Service. His service included 5 presidents and he was stationed at the White House for 5 years under President Johnson and Nixon. During this time, he traveled around the world with Mrs. Lady Bird Johnson and also with President Nixon. Later, he was stationed in field offices located in Chicago and Jacksonville.and then retired from the US Secret Service in 1983.

Mike then joined the Rouse Company and helped open the Jacksonville Landing. He was appointed Head of Security for several of the Rouse Company shopping centers located in various cities throughout the nation. He enjoyed his time and friends from his "Landing Days".

After his retirement from the Rouse Company, he spent many years playing golf, bridge, bingo and being a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Everyone who knew him loved hearing his Secret Service stories and the love of his family.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Mildred, his parents, his brother John J. Varenholt Jr and his sister Edma Clare Braniff.

He is survived by his daughter Jacque Crawford and his son Michael Hodges, his grandchildren Erik (Kelly) Hodges, Jennifer (Barry) Hickman and Lauren (Kyle) Brewer, his great grandchildren Zoe and Ian Hodges, and Braxton, Hunter and Kynleigh Hickman and Elsie and Everlyn Brewer. His nieces and nephews Roy Lohr, Sandi Wilson, Cathy Atkinson and John (Carol) Lohr. His New Orleans family Matthew (Kristen) Bourgeois, Regina (Shawn) Smith and Paul (Theresa) Varenholt.

A rosary will be said in his memory on Monday April 7, 2025 at 4:30 pm, followed by visitation from 5-7 pm at Arlington Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral mass will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church located at 11665 Fort Caroline Rd Jax FL 32225 on Tuesday April 8, 2025 at 11am with Father Edward Murphy officiating. Immediately after mass, a luncheon will be served at the church hall, followed by interment at Arlington Park Cemetery.