Arlen C. Zenor

Arlen Chester Zenor, 81, passed away on Feb. 14, 2015. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God strengthened him his entire life and supported him in his last hospitalization.

He was so blessed when his best friend, Jesus Christ, wrapped him in his arms and took him to his heavenly home.

Arlen was born on the family farm, north of Lawton, Iowa to the late Harry and Marie (Hageman) Zenor, on March 19, 1933. He graduated from Lawton High School in 1951.

He was called to serve his country on Feb. 25, 1953 until Feb. 25, 1955. During that time, he spent 18 months in Germany as his company’s clerk. After his dedicated service to our country, Arlen returned to Lawton to start his farming career.

In addition to Arlen’s love of the farm life, he was also chosen to serve as a rural mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He also worked as a Federal Crop Insurance adjuster, which led him to his own agency in that field.

Arlen was a great family man and a loving father. He married his best friend and love of his life, Clarice June Piper, on Oct. 2, 1955 and the couple had three sons: Mark, Scott and Tim.

From the very beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to explore the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Throughout his life, he was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Lawton, Iowa, where he had held numerous offices and served on several boards in the church.

He was also a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fountain Hills. He was also a member of the American Legion in Lawton.

Arlen and Clarice enjoyed traveling to sunny Arizona for 33 years and sharing the Arizona desert with family and friends.

He also enjoyed fishing and vacations with family and friends. Arlen had a passion for the Chicago Cubs and kept his optimism alive by attending Spring Training games and rarely missing a game broadcast.

He is survived by his beloved wife Clarice and three sons: Mark and his wife Janet of Graham, Wash., Scott and his wife Andrea of Lawton, Iowa, Tim of Lawton, Iowa and Sandy of Sioux City, Iowa; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He is further survived by a sister, Lila; brother, Allen and his wife, Sonya; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Darrell, Bernard, Marilyn and Glenda; three brothers-in-law, Gene Bremer, Alvin Richardson, and Roy Johnson; and a granddaughter, Tara.

Arlen’s celebration of life was Monday, Feb. 23, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Lawton, Iowa. Visitation was held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Sunday, Feb. 22, followed by a prayer service.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fountain Hills at a later date.