Arlen Lee Klostermeier Obituary (1937 - 2023)

Arlen Lee Klostermeier March 26, 1937 - October 29, 2023 Arlen, my loving husband of over 65 years went to be with God on October 29, 2023, at home surrounded by family. He was 86 years old. Arlen was born March 26, 1937, in De Witt, Nebraska. He was the first of five children of Emil and Eleanor Klostermeier namely: Glenna, Dennis, Steve, and Kim. Arlen attended school at Fairbury, De Witt School, and De Witt High School; excelling in Music & Sports and was awarded a sports scholarship. He frequently talked about his coach, Bud Holcomb. He enjoyed raccoon hunting with his dad. Arlen decided to go to California with his best friend, Joe Knoche. While there, Arlen met me; his future wife, Diane Picone. We loved dancing at Laurence Welk. On May 3rd, we eloped in Las Vegas and in June we celebrated a Catholic wedding on my parents' anniversary date at Holy Family Church in Glendale, Ca. God blessed us with four wonderful children: Donny, Nancy, Laura and Tina. Arlen was a devoted hard working & loving father who was very proud of each of them for their strong religious faith, individual school activities at St. John of the Cross Catholic School in Ca., their community achievements, and family togetherness. Arlen's family frequently referred to him as "Super Dad". My parents Sal and Lillian were a vital part of the family fun-filled occasions, events, celebrations, holidays activities, birthdays, and golden memories that came with each of them. As life went on, the blessings and memorable treasured times increased due to our children's spouses and their families because each of them married outstanding people who shared the same family values, traditions and high moral standards. The grandchildren and great grandchildren also enriched our lives. On our 50th wedding anniversary they honored us by making us KING & QUEEN for a day in Las Vegas where we renewed our wedding vows at Holy Redeemer Church followed by an elaborate, spectacular, and beautiful celebration at the L.V. Excalibur Casino banquet room which included dining, dancing, laughter, and fun enjoyed with family and friends invited who came from all over the country. They had spared no effort or expense to make it a perfect enjoyable and memorable event! They even included an ice carving of a dolphin for our daughter Nancy, who was in heaven to be represented. Her husband Paul and son Josh were there. Arlen was an outstanding store manager for Thriftimart Markets for 23 years when living in Brookside and in Glendale, Ca., so much so that he was awarded an all-expense trip to Hawaii. We owned a home in La Mesa, Ca. Later we bought & ran the International Inn in Salome, AZ., for 8 years. Upon retiring, he bought a home in Lake Havasu City. Arlen served as: President of the Buttons and Bows Square Dance Club, President of the Salome Lions Club for 2yrs; Board Member of the La Paz Sheriff's Posse. He was a member of the Elks, Wickenburg Bowling Team, he was a 2nd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Ca., was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Havasu City, plus Arlen was a N.R.A. member. Arlen also loved hunting, fishing, and being at our cabin at Mormon Lake, Az. Arlen felt so blessed by God for such a wonderful life. He never complained about health issues except for problems with his eyes. He is preceded in going home to God by his father; Emil and his mother Eleanor, his in-laws; Sal and Lillian, two of our lovely precious daughters; Mrs. Nancy Ann Labas and Mrs. Laura Lynn Smith, his sister; Glenna Oltman, and Brother; Kim Klostermeier. Arlen is survived by: His wife, Diane Klostermeier, Donald & Angie Klostermeier and Michael; Mark and Tina Whitehouse and Ryan, Paul, Cody, Jeffery Dale; Maki & Kelly Kramer and Family; Josh and Kellie Gillespie and Family, Chad and Sara Friedle and Family, Jared and Jessica Klostermeier and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Klostermeier and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Klostermeier and Family, Jeff Smith and Meagan Smith and her Family, and Ryan and Jenn Smith and their Family, Jimmy & Rachael Shelton and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Donald Klostermeier & Family, Arlen's cousin Mr. & Mrs. Richard Booth, the Chinnock and the Schuerman families. Arlen has 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a godson named Zachary Klostermeier. Services will be held on November 16, 2023, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church starting at 9:40 A.M. Services in the Church will start by saying the rosary followed by the holy sacrifice of the mass when all those in attendance are cordially invited, a reception in St. Joseph's Hall for food and refreshments and the Celebration of Life for Arlen and afterward the family will leave to attend the graveside prayer ceremony at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens. If desired, in lieu of flowers, a small donation can be made to: St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of The Lake Catholic School, or a Community Charity. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.