Arnold Lee Rohlwing

Arnold "Arnie" Rohlwing, age 83, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and lifelong learner whose life was defined by love, integrity, humor, faith, and unwavering devotion to family.

Born and raised in Elgin, Illinois, Arnie grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where summers were filled with baseball games, bicycle rides, paper routes, and adventures with friends. He often reflected fondly on a childhood shaped by hard work, freedom, and strong family values, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for responsibility, perseverance, and community.

Arnie built a successful career in computer programming and technology during the earliest years of the computer age. Beginning in 1963 as a programmer trainee with Illinois Bell Telephone Company, he entered a field that was still finding its identity. Through determination, resilience, and continuous learning, he went on to enjoy a long and successful career in technology, embracing innovation throughout his life.

The greatest joy of Arnie's life was his family. Together with his wife, he built a home filled with laughter, faith, and unconditional support, raising three children whom they loved beyond measure and took great pride in watching become caring and successful adults. A devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, Arnie cherished reading bedtime stories, attending family events, and passing along lessons learned through a life well lived. Nothing delighted him more than gathering with his growing family, sharing stories, creating memories, and celebrating milestones together. He believed deeply in the importance of love, respect, faith, and continual growth. His advice to future generations was simple yet profound: "Never stop growing."

A lifelong student of history, Arnie enjoyed biographies, historical books, travel, softball, bike riding, card games, and spirited conversations. Arnie was also a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan whose loyalty never wavered through the highs and lows of countless seasons. He possessed a remarkable memory for family stories and took great care to preserve them for future generations. Whether recounting humorous family vacations, childhood adventures, or lessons learned from parents and grandparents, he had a gift for turning ordinary moments into treasured memories.

Faith played an important role throughout Arnie's life. He valued family worship, service to others, and the principles of kindness, honesty, and humility. His quiet example demonstrated what it meant to live a life of character and gratitude.

After retirement, Arnie and Karen fulfilled a long-held dream by moving to Arizona, where they enjoyed sunshine, new friendships, family visits, Sunday breakfasts, and the

beauty of the Southwest. Together, they visited nearly every national park in the United States, finding great joy in exploring the country's natural beauty and sharing those adventures with family. Together they embraced retirement with the same spirit of adventure that had characterized their entire lives.

Arnie will be remembered for his gentle wisdom, dry sense of humor, unwavering dedication to family, and ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Gertrude Rohlwing, and his brothers, Donald Rohlwing and Kenneth Rohlwing.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Karen (Kruse) Rohlwing; his children, Mike (Karla) Rohlwing, Pam (Pete) Gilbertson, and Mark (Michelle) Rohlwing; his seven grandchildren, Stacie, Tyler, Kayla, Seth, Peter, Katelyn, and Aiden; and five great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Though deeply missed, his legacy lives on in every family gathering, every story retold, every lesson passed down, and every life he touched.

"We are truly blessed" was a phrase Arnie often used when speaking about his family. Those who knew and loved him would say the same about having known him.

In lieu of flowers, Arnie requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.