Arlen Franklin Matzen passed away peacefully after a long battle with MS on one of his favorite days, April Fools. Arlen was born January 23, 1949 to Carl and Nellie Matzen in Miles City. Arlen had a childhood filled with adventure and the proper amount of trouble but was steered along to the right path by his beloved grandmother Olive Strom. He attended schools in Miles City, playing football for CCDHS, his favorite sport.
Arlen joined the Army in 1967 and was stationed in Vietnam. Like many things in his life he looked this as an adventure and saw many parts of this world not many ever have a chance to. After he served his country Arlen moved to Portland, Oregon for a year before the rain drove him and his brother back to the sunshine of Miles City. Arlen met the love of his life and partner in crime in April of 1970. Diane and Arlen were inseparable from then on; they married on August 24, 1978. They could be found enjoying anything outdoors. This is when Arlen fine tuned his fishing skills with the help of Diane. Arlen also inherited his Grandmothers green thumb and took pride in his yard. Arlen was a secret artist who was gifted at oil painting. He also taught himself to play the guitar in hopes Led Zeppelin might need a backup guitarist. Arlen worked various jobs until settling in at Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility where he worked for 30 years retiring in 2004 due to his health. Arlen found great pride in hearing from former students on how well they were doing. In 1986 Johanna was born and Arlen jumped into being father and was excited to get another partner in crime. Arlen loved being with his family. He always enjoyed spending time with his Nieces and Nephews and teasing them relentlessly, this also included Johanna’s friends. Retirement allowed Arlen to enjoy several years of leisure. He enjoyed coffee with his Uncle Ted, chatting about politics, playing cribbage and perfecting the fatherly eye roll. The last several years were hard on Arlen who always tried to be positive and look to the future. Arlen stayed at home for as long as was possible. In December of 2014 Arlen was baptized in a memorable ceremony with a denture cup by Rev. Steve Rice which gave him many laughs. Arlen had fantastic care and a special thanks given to Holy Rosary Healthcare, Miles City Fire Department, Friendship Villa and especially the Community Living Center at the V.A. The staff at the CLC always made Arlen comfortable, always being supportive of him and his family. Arlen will be greatly missed.
Arlen is survived by his wife and best friend Diane, daughter Johanna Matzen, daughter Tessa Ash, sister Carla Livengood, nieces Sherri (Rob) Schneidt, Rene (Dan) Decker, Sarena Vollmer, and nephew Christopher Huffman. Along with numerous great nephews and nieces and family friends the Dowse family and Gene and Vickie Schneidt. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Nellie, a brother Ronald and niece Linda Leigh.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home are assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Miles City Fire/ Ambulance Department, Holy Rosary Palliative Care, the Community Living Center or to a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 7, 2015
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 7, 2015
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Jane Sprinkle says
Diane and Johanna, I am so sorry to hear of Arlen’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep all the good memories in your hearts for comfort.
Rick and Jane
Gina Mader says
Diane, Johanna and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Arlen was always so kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ty and Geri Livingston says
Diane – We’re so sorry to hear about Arlen. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Take Care-
Ty and Geri
Janice Clendenen says
Diane and Johanna, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you during this time.
Gene & Vickie Schneidt says
We are keeping you in our hearts through this difficult time. Arlen was so blessed to have his wife and daughter to care, love and be supportive of him. Diane and Johanna, sending you lots of hugs and love.
Denise Harvey says
Diane and Johanna,
What a wonderful man has left this earth. I wish for you peace and comfort as you cherish memories until the grand reunion in heaven He was blessed to have you in his lives as you were blessed to have him in yours.
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Amy Losing says
Diane and Johanna so very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed working with Arlen. You are both in my prayers and thoughts at this difficult time.
April Thompson says
Dear Diane and Johanna,
So sorry to hear of Arlen’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
April Thompson
Sandi Kohones says
Diane, I am so sorry to see that Arlen lost his battle. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin & Sheila Krausz says
Diane and Family,
Thinking and praying for you at this difficult time. Arlen was a great guy and will be missed.
Janice Swanson says
Diane and
Diane and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Arlen was blessed to have a great supporting wife and daughter. Your special to me so take care. Give me a call if you need anything.
Cathy Pyle says
Diana and Johanna, I’m so sorry to hear of Arlin’s passing. I pray you will feel comfort & peace with in your selves very soon. May God bless you.
Connie (Matzen) McDonald says
Diane and Johanna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. When I think of Arlen I remember his infectious laugh and the twinkle in his eye. I hope you find comfort in your many memories of fun times and shared laughter.
Dave Thulesen says
Hey Kid!–didn’t know your man very well but sure am thinking of you at this time. Miss you in the back hall and am praying for you at this very diffucult time.
Marcy Parks says
Diane and Johanna,
I am so sorry to hear about Arlen. My heart goes out to you both. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcy Stabler Parks
Jackie Stoeckel says
Diane and Johanna. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It is hard to lose a lifetime and father. I have fond memories of your family. Arlen was always very accommodating and kind.
Kay Kay Nice says
Diane, Johanna, Sherri and the rest of the crew,
I am thinking of you and praying for peace, strength and comfort. Look back on Arlin’s life with laughter, not tears. Yes, there will be sorrow because of his bodily absence from this earth, but let there be joy knowing that his memory and spirit live on…there is a reason he chose April 1st to depart from this world.
Lots of Love! Xoxo
Carl Matzen says
Diane and Johanna…
So sorry to hear of Arlen’s passing; my prayers go out to you and the family.
Another strikingly good looking member of the master Matzen clan taken too soon!
peace and love be with you…
Carl
Margo White says
Diane and Johanna,
You are all in my prayers, Arlen’s struggle is over and he was a valent fighter to the end. A very proud man that will be missed. Take strength that he is at peace. Let me know if you need anything.
Margo
Sheryl Kron-Hartzfeld says
Diane, Sorry to hear about Arlen. Thinking about you in time of sadness.
Sheryl
Shirley South says
Diane,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time .
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Diane and Johanna:
We were deeply saddened to learn of Arlen’s passing. We are thinking of you both and praying for your comfort and peace during these difficult days. Hold fast to your great memories!
Neil & Kris Engstrom says
From one family to another, our love and best wishes always…Arlen it won’t be the same without you, the “Terrible Trio” is now on hold….but God help Himself when you, Steve and I finally do get back together. Diane, Johanna, anything we can possibly do, or say, is there along with all the love and God’s caring touch. Peace cuz….
Ken and Vicki says
We are sorry to hear of Arlen’ s passing away. He was a very nice guy, very caring and will be missed.
William L Sturdevant says
Deepest condolences. I remember many hours of cribbage at our house and many fond memories. What a unique sense of humour he had. I remember exchanging a broken Christmas gift back and forth for many years, his little green frog and many fun evenings spent at your house. Wishing you well.
Carol LaRose Schuetzle says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our deepest sympathy to all your family and friends.
Steve Philipsheck says
I was shocked to learn of Arlen’s passing. I had hoped to see all of you at least one more time. I have fond memories of all the good times Arlen and I had in our early days in Miles City. But, sometimes life sucks, and this is one of those times. My heart goes out to both of you, and perhaps we will see you in Miles this summer.
Anna Matthews says
May God keep and comfort you during this time and always. Much love and many prayers to your family!
Mike Freeman says
Will always remember working with Arlen many years ago at the old Pine Hills School. He was a special kind of guy. Things could get pretty rough and tumble back then and he always had my back. I also remember going fishing with Arlen and Diane at Fort Peck. They weren’t married yet but were, obviously, much in love. This is how I remember Arlen. Rest in peace Big Guy!
Matthew Matzen says
Dear Diane Johanna, I am sorry for your loss. Arlen was a great man and he will be dearly missed but his memory lives on. I hope you will find solace in wishes, hopes and prayers of family and friends, and cherish the memories.
Josephine Meidinger says
Diane and Johanna, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories of Arlene get you through these difficult times.
Barbara Hirsch says
Diane and Family So sorry for your loss.Arlen is in a much better place with no more pain and no more pills to take. Please know you are in my prayers..
Brenda Zanders says
Diane and Family, I just learned today of Arlen’s passing and was shocked. I don’t get on this facebook much, and am so sorry for your loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers, find peace knowing that he is at peace.
Jon Ambrosia says
Jon Eric Ambrosia…. I served with Arlen in Ban Me thout Viet Nam and Arlen was always smiling , laughing and basically helping keeping our spirits up. We would go out and do some site seeing aroung the jvillage, go out to the mountgnard villages …His name comes up ervery year at this time and we all ask each other if anybody knows about his status. My wife found this obituary on line and I will share with all his Brothers……Rest in peace my friend….and if you would like a dew photos lef me know and I think I have a had ful…..God bless… Look me up on face book and friend request me so you can see photos of Ban Me Thout and Arlen….
Franklin E Hughes says
I had the pleasure of serving in Vietnam with this fine man. I can remember his great sense of humor. God Bless the family. I know he will be missed. Franklin E Hughes, Oklahoma