Arvin Joseph Foell

Hannah Riddle sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Arvin Joseph Foell - June 20, 2025

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Arvin was 10 years old when I was born, with three brothers in between us. With affection, he would say I was the spoiled baby girl. When I was 9 and he was attending college, our father died suddenly. He would ride his motorcycle home for visits. Mom was proud of him and told him to stay in college. A year later our mother remarried. I was distraught at this event. Arvin was there to assure me and promised he was only a phone call away, which he was in the months and years ahead. When I was 11 years old, he encouraged me to attend church camp. It was there that I took Christ as my personal Savior. Arvin gifted me a Bible with my name engraved in gold on its black cover. I have always treasured this first Bible. Arvin was present at my high school graduation, and four years later walked me down the aisle at my wedding. Through the decades following we always shared a close sibling relationship. There were times of his many surgeries, heart issues, and vehicle accidents that I feared, yet prepared, for his possible death. He always pulled through and I was blessed to have my big brother still in my life. We had shared the grief of the loss of our mother, 3 brothers, a sister we were united with in our later years, a niece and a nephew. Then suddenly you died while working at home. Your death leaves a void in my life. Yet I rejoice in the assurance you are in paradise, all is well with your soul, and have eternal everlasting life with Jesus. One day I will be reunited with you, and our loved ones. Your wife, children, & grandchildren are in my thoughts and prayers with heartfelt sympathy.

Such a beautifully written obituary! I have so many memories of my dear Uncle Arvin, I'm not sure where to start or if there is a word limit here so guess we will find out as I ramble ever so randomly! I remember Arvin always had a distinct voice, and a presence of both respect and tomfoolery at family gatherings. He always insisted on just letting the kids go play and 'be kids', never really believing there was any reason to need to keep an eye on them, no matter what their age lol. He just trusted they wouldn't get into trouble or go where they shouldn't, because Arvin always seemed to believe in and see the best in people, even if they are only 3 years old. He would often be found giving advice to anyone that would listen, however sometimes, that advice really needed to be filtered. Because the one word that sticks out to me the most when I think of Arvin, is 'Laughing'. Not only his unique laugh, but how he could make everyone around him laugh and maybe even roll their eyes, without him even meaning to! Just by being himself, and the 'crazy' things he said, that were perfectly logical to him. Which is why he would always react with a 'Well what?' type of response when Jeanne would scold him or say his name 'that way' and have everyone else in the room laughing hysterically at their loving banter and his silly ideas. I remember all the stories of him falling asleep driving and then the girls taking turns driving the rest of the way. I remember their big blue 80s van that I thought was sooo cool and always hoped to someday have one haha. I remember Arvin working at hog farms all over the state and when he would be nearby Clarion, he would stop by to visit. Mom said trudging through those barns for years with all those strong pigs right at knee height is what caused him to have to have his replaced later in life. But he always seemed to be like a cat with 9 lives and nothing could hold him down long. But maybe that was just his stubbornness. I remember the stories of him being in the hospital and never following doctors orders. It was both funny to hear about and yet Im sure frustrating for his family at the same time to deal with. Perfect example of one of those moments when he thought he was being completely logical, yet everyone around him just laughed or rolled their eyes. Lol! He loved his grandchildren so very much and seemed to volunteer to spend time with them whenever possible. Even as little babies, I remember them being on his shoulder or lap. He would even babysit, as long as you gave him everything he might need within reach of his chair....and pray they didnt go #2 because that was one thing Arvin didnt do. Lol! As they all got older, I often wondered tho, who was babysitting who?! But it wasn't just his grandkids that held a place in his heart, it was also all his nieces and nephews too, and their kids. He and Jeanne would come to all the graduations and weddings and baby showers there were. Arvin would stay up to date watching our Facebook pages and loved seeing our photos and posts. He would comment or react often and to me anyway, it always kinda felt like that 'Grandpa' or 'guardian angel' presence watching over all of us, chearing us on, or giving advice and encouragement. I dont know how many times I would find something he sent in Messenger that seemed to be just what I needed to hear....a quote, a scripture passage, or just a 'Hi How are you?'. I have memories of going to their Slater house and the Campus Baptist Church when I was a kid. I dont know if I would spend time with them in the summer like I did with Gma Roeder - maybe after she passed away? That detail seems be eluding my memory at this time, I apologize! But as many memories as I DO have, I know Jeanne and the kids have 100x more. I know how hard it was for me and my kids when my Troy passed away, and we didnt have near as many years together as they have had. Losing someone we love, especially unexpectedly, cuts our hearts so deeply. I have thought about Jeanne, the girls, Andy and the grandkids nearly every day and wondered how they are doing. But also knowing nothing I could say or do would ease their heartache right now, and that each will have their own journey in grieving so sometimes the best thing anyone can do is to give them the space to do that. I remember so many people saying 'if I needed anything, to please call or let them know', which I found comforting and understood was their way of trying to be supportive. But at every part of my day, I didnt know what I needed, to be able to tell or ask anyone else for help with it. So I am glad that they can all be together, and when one is having a weak day, another can be strong, and vice versa. Take comfort in knowing they will one day be reunited, that this isnt goodbye forever, just see you later, for now. Try not to let guilt, unanswered questions or words wished you had said, consume you.... Uncle Arvin knew you all loved him and he cherished you all just the same, just as Jesus and our Savior God does. We may never understand why things happen when they do, but God has a plan, and He will continue to guide us on our paths and be there to comfort us in times such as these. I'm praying for each of you, and love you all. Sending my deepest condolences and biggest bear hugs! ❤️ Your niece and cousin, Jessica and Jayce, Sage, Tristan, Jaidyn, Ethan, & Jasper

Arvin was a constant in my life as I grew up beside his daughters. He nurtured my love for agriculture and animal science. Arvin was always there with a hearty laugh and conversation, no matter what age I was. He is dearly missed.

Arvin was a wonderful mentor to us in our beekeeping. Emory will miss the telephone visits. Prayers to you all