Vernon Dale Arp

Vernon Dale Arp

Vernon Dale Arp, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Vern was born June 28, 1934, on a farm near Harvard, Nebraska to John and Irene (Helzer) Arp. Growing up, Vern and his family had many adventures on the farm including fire, rattlesnakes, tornados and lightning strikes. During high school in Sutton, Nebraska, he was active in 4H and FFA. Vern and his friends purchased a popcorn wagon and sold popcorn at baseball games, where he first spotted his future wife, Ardyce Mae Ediger. After high school, Vern helped on his Dad’s farm and worked winters at the Naval Depot near Hastings, NE. In 1955 he enlisted in the Army and considered officers candidate school but decided not to make the Army a career. He attended the University of Nebraska to study forestry.

On June 14, 1958, Vern married Ardyce in Lincoln, Nebraska and in the fall they moved to Boise, Idaho, hoping to get a job in forestry. They joined Immanuel Lutheran Church that same year. Jobs were few in the Forestry industry in Idaho, so Vern worked for a nursery helping to construct Ann Morrison Park. He ran a backhoe and joked, “I dug a ditch so crooked it’d break a snake’s back”. When the park was completed, he worked in Lessinger’s Plumbing Shop and entered the plumbing apprenticeship program in 1959. Vern enjoyed almost 40 successful years as a plumber; he was often the foreman and worked on many buildings in the Boise Valley. When work was scarce, he would travel to find work. Vern was very proud of his 65 years as a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #296.

Vern and Ardyce were blessed with two daughters, Renée and Karen, two sons-in-law, Brad and Gus, and three grandsons, Roshawn, Riley and Randy. Vern retired in 1996 and in 1998 assumed the new role of Grandfather; he loved teaching Roshawn how to play baseball, dig in the dirt, tinker, fish and fix things.

Vern was a sponsor for the Immanuel Luther League Youth group, he served on Immanuel Church Council and on the Board of Luther Heights Bible Camp, including acting Camp Director for two years.

Vern was a master storyteller; he loved to tell stories and could entertain with one story after another. Vern liked car races, football and fishing with grandson Roshawn. He learned to ski at age 40 so he wouldn’t have to walk up the hill to see his daughters’ ski race and he enjoyed his skiing days. He also enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, Arizona, the Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier Park, Victoria BC, and cruises to Alaska and the Baltic but most of all he loved the family trips to Hawaii. Vern had a sweet tooth and became an incredible baker known for his cookies, springerle, fudge and peanut brittle.

Vern will always be remembered for his smile, his laugh, his wit and his unconditional love. Vern was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and someone Ardyce could always count on until her death in 2024. He touched many lives and he was a good and faithful servant reading his bible every morning. We are certain he is finally at “home” catching up with Ardyce and the many family and friends who have gone on ahead.

Vern is preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene; brothers, Donnie, Jack and Charles; and wife of over 65 years, Ardyce. He is survived by his daughters, Renée (Brad) Bergquist and Karen (Gus) Fitzpatrick; three grandchildren, Roshawn Walters, Riley Fitzpatrick and Randy Perkins; sister Jane West and numerous nieces and nephews.

His family would like to thank the caring and compassionate nurses and doctors at St Luke’s and Keystone Hospice and the wonderful staff and caregivers at Touchmark Elkhorn Assisted Living who made the last two years of his life fulfilling. Thank you also to our friends and family for their prayers and support.

There will be a memorial service at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 am. Memorials may be made in Vern’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.