Arvin LeRoy Faig was born Oct. 3, 1937, in Lincoln. He passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home Sept. 4, 2024, in Seward, at the age of 86.
Arvin was born to Willie Jacob and Anna Caroline (Keszler) Faig. He was baptized and confirmed at Martell Methodist Church, Martell. Arvin grew up on a dairy farm near Martell and attended rural and Lincoln schools, graduating from Crete High School in 1955. Arvin proudly served his country for six years in the Air National Guard Reserves, with some of his service time spent at Lowry Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado.
Arvin met the love of his life, Mary Abele, on a blind date in January 1959. They wed on Oct. 9, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Utica. Arvin and Mary lived in Lincoln for 14 years. During this time, they were blessed with two children, Doug and Kristy. Arvin worked in Lincoln for Gooch Mill (ADM) for 18 years.
In 1974, Arvin had the opportunity of a lifetime to take over his father-in-law’s farm near Gresham. He would spend the next 40 plus years farming the land and raising cattle. In 1976, Arvin and Mary were blessed with their third child, Jennifer.
During Arvin’s time in the Gresham and Utica area, he was actively involved at St. Paul Lutheran Church as a member and elder, the Lutheran Laymen's League, St. Paul’s Dartball League, Farmers Co-op Board, NRD weather/NeRain Rain Reporter, American Legion #49 Honor Guard and the Center for Rural Affairs. Arvin loved to hunt and fish and was a lifetime member of the NRA.
Arvin was a man who made life fun and enjoyed bowling, throwing horseshoes, gardening, caring for his animals, attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities, playing games and cards. Arvin was a consistent supporter of the Nebraska Children’s Home and The Navigators Christian Organization. He was very active in the TeamMates Mentoring Program at Centennial High School.
Arvin deeply loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He left a legacy of how to be loving, kind, generous, patient, faithful and have fun. He led by excellent example.
The family wishes to thank the care given to Arvin by the loving staff at The Greene Place, Tabitha Hospice Care and Seward Memorial Hospital.
Arvin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Faig of Gresham; son, Douglas Brennan, St. Louis, Missouri; daughters, Kristine Eastman, Seward, and partner, Virgil, and Jennifer (Joshua) Hower, Boise, Idaho. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Derek (Katie) and Kody Eastman, Brooke, Luke, and John Hower; and two great-grandchildren, Kason and Kinsley Eastman; and niece, Ann Andersen, Lincoln.
Arvin was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wallace Faig; sisters, Verna Alberts and Violet Peterson; brothers-in-law, Henry Alberts and Melvin Peterson; and sister-in-law, Helen Faig.
The funeral service was Sept. 8 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica with committal at the Utica Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the Faig family. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
