Arlo Eggen Obituary

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Arlo G. Eggen, age 92, on the early morning of Monday, June 30, 2025. He left this world as he lived it-quietly, gracefully, and surrounded by his devoted family.

When asked how he would like to be remembered, he answered "I would like to be remembered as an honest man".

A LIFE ROOTED IN THE HEARTLAND

Born on October 25, 1932, on a modest farm in Alcester, Union County, South Dakota, Arlo was the son of Andrew Eggen and Sigrid (Ekren). From those fertile fields, he cultivated the enduring values that shaped a life of service, wit, and warmth-humble beginnings that blossomed into a legacy of integrity and deep affection for others.

FAMILY AND LEGACY

In July 1959, Arlo married the love of his life, Beverly, with whom he shared over six decades of partnership. Their marriage was built on laughter, mutual respect, and shared adventure.

Together, they raised four children: Stephanie Kessler, Victoria Palmer (spouse: Ronald), and Thomas Eggen (spouse: Marjorie). He was preceded in death by their beloved son, Timothy Eggen, in 1994-a loss he bore with quiet strength and resilience.

Arlo also mourned the recent passing of his dear sisters: Lois Sundstrom (spouse: Burdette, decd.), Joyce Ludwig (spouse: Duane), and Sandra Johnson (spouse: Ron) -each part of a bond forged in the prairies of South Dakota.

Arlo was the proud grandfather and great grandfather through whom his legacy lives on: Christopher Kessler (spouse: Bethany), and daughter Coraline; Lindsey Lesh (née Kessler) (spouse: Justin), and children Piper, Paige, Clint: preceded in death by infant son Asher; Brooke and Chloe Palmer; and Annika and Emilia Eggen.

Arlo's memory also lives on in the hearts of many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Each will grow up hearing the stories, humor, and enduring compassion that defined his life.

SOLDIER, STORYTELLER, AND SERENDIPITOUS TYPIST

Arlo served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. With a twinkle in his eye, he often credited a spontaneous high school decision-taking a typing class to be near the girls-as the twist of fate that placed him behind a typewriter instead of a rifle.

His rare skill landed him a critical clerical role, bridging communication lines on the front. Between duties, he found joy in the most unexpected places, once recalling a night of musical magic courtesy of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, lifting spirits in the most unlikely of venues.

A NEW DIRECTION AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER

Following his time in the armed service, Arlo returned to his roots and gave farming a try-but soon discovered that life behind a ledger suited him better than life behind a plow. He pursued a degree in Accounting at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. His career began at Sears, Roebuck & Co. in Chicago, IL, where he rose steadily through the ranks to become Western Regional Controller in Phoenix, AZ, via Burbank, CA. He played a key role in opening a new data center for Sears, a position that moved the family across the country and expanded his impact within the company's technological footprint during a key period of growth.

He retired from Sears in the early 1990s but continued his professional journey with additional leadership roles at Maximus (auditing) and Lund Cadillac, always bringing his trademark precision and reliability to the teams he supported.

Arlo and Beverly relocated once more-this time to Tucson, Arizona, to be closer to family and enjoy the golden years in the warmth of the desert sun.

A HEART FOR SERVICE AND A HAND FOR OTHERS

Beyond his family and professional life, Arlo embodied a spirit of lifelong service. He was an active volunteer in every community he lived in, giving generously of his time and talents. He served with dedication at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in the San Fernando Valley, Resurrection Lutheran Church in Tucson, and the Pima Council on Aging, where his compassion and commitment made lasting impacts on the lives of countless seniors.

Arlo was a friend to everyone-quick to offer help, generous with his stories, and unmatched in his ability to make others laugh. Whether fixing something, lending an ear, or delivering a one-liner, he made people feel seen, heard, and loved.

MORE THAN A FAN: A LIFELONG BASEBALL DEVOTION

Besides his love of God, wife, and family, Arlo loved baseball. He religiously cheered for his favorite teams- which through different periods of his life included the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and ultimately the Arizona Diamondbacks. Whether at home or in the stands, his enthusiasm never wavered. The crack of the bat and rhythm of the game were lifelong comforts, tying seasons of his life together like innings in an endless summer.

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Arlo's final days were marked by peace, reflection, and the steady presence of those he cherished most. His legacy lives on not in monuments, but in moments: stories passed down around kitchen tables, warm embraces, hard-earned wisdom, and the unmistakable chuckle that still echoes in the memories of those who knew him best. And above all, in the love he gave so freely.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends; Monday, August 25, 2025, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N 1st Ave, Oro Valley, AZ 85737. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a story, a laugh, or a kind act in Arlo's memory-because to him, a good tale and a good deed were life's highest honors.