Bernard C. Arkenberg,

Age 91, of Eastview Drive, Fort Loramie, passed away of natural causes Wednesday evening, April 22, 2020, at Ohio Living Dorothy Love in Sidney, Ohio. He was born August 9, 1928, in Fort Loramie, Ohio to the late Ferdinand & Frances (Echeman) Arkenberg. On October 9, 1948, at St. Remy Catholic Church in Russia, Ben married Theresa (Richard) Arkenberg who survives. Also surviving are four of six children and their spouses: Linda & James Koverman of Anna, Edward & Annette Arkenberg of Sidney, Gene Arkenberg (dec.) & then fiancée, Pat Coll of Toledo, Joan “Jody” & Ed (dec.) Hartley of Covington, David Arkenberg of Fort Loramie and John Arkenberg (dec.); six grandchildren: Michelle & Travis Brunson, Brad & Kasie Koverman, Gene & Katie Arkenberg, Chad Arkenberg, Kelli & Wayne Johnson and Cody Arkenberg & fiancée, Amanda Liebrecht; two step granddaughters, Angie & Nick Deeter and Tori & Darrell Hite as well as 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Beatrice Seaman of Dayton; sisters & brothers-in-law: Ruth Richard of Anna, Florence Bruns of Coldwater, and Eugene & Dorothy Richard of Versailles along with numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by two siblings, Virgil & Norma Arkenberg and Marietta Ritz along with sisters & brothers-in-law: Marie & Gene Farrer, Floyd & Toni Richard, Wilma Richard, Cletus & Evelyn Richard, Rita & Ray Fullenkamp, Francis Richard, Leroy & Dorothy Richard, Mary & Pete Ecabert, Robert & Wilma Richard, Paul Richard, Robert Bruns, and Rosemary & Thomas Cordonnier.

Mr. Arkenberg was a 1946 graduate of Fort Loramie High School. In 1986, he retired from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in St. Marys where he had been employed 40 years. He also detailed cars for Gaier’s Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep in Fort Loramie and other local dealers for much of his working life. Ben was a devout member of St. Michael Catholic Church and often attended Holy Hour at the Maria Stein Shrine of Holy Relics. Years ago, he had been active in the St. Joseph Men’s Sodality and Fort Loramie Racing Club. Ben was dedicated to his family, treasuring time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved music and was an accomplished trumpeter. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, playing cards, and especially being outdoors grooming the yard.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Michael Cemetery in Fort Loramie with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. A public Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Church when COVID-19 social distancing requirements have been lifted. Memorials may be made to the St. Michael Church Building Fund or charities of choice. Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.