Obit: Arbelovsky, Frank (1933 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Arbelovsky, Brogan, Maguire, Queen, Foglia, Macasu

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 07 Jan 2017

Arbelovsky, Frank (5 JAN 1933 – 24 DEC 2016)

Frank Arbelovsky, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Saturday, December 24th at Alaska Regional Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Frank was born on January 5th, 1933 in Clark County, Wisconsin to Joseph and Marie Arbelovsky. After high school basketball games Frank would go to a diner in Chili, Wisconsin where he met Ardith, the love of his life, working in her family diner. Frank graduated from Loyal High School in 1951. Frank, who was patriotic and hardworking, but not the best farmer, decided to join the United States Air Force. Frank and Ardith were married on December 4th, 1954 in Chili and was stationed in Merced, California two weeks later. Frank served as a Staff Sargent flight instructor and was Honorably Discharged in 1956.

His military service completed, Frank and his family moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin where he worked at Merkle Electric while attending apprentice school. An electrician by trade, Frank was a proud member of the IBEW for over 55 years.

Seeking adventure and economic opportunity, Frank and his family moved to Alaska in 1967. After a short time in Anchorage they moved to Kenai where Frank established and managed the City Electric office in Nikiski, where Ardith also worked.

Frank retired from City Electric in 1989, but he never stopped working. He was a man of many talents who cared for his community, and could be found helping out others doing everything from construction and electrical work, to knitting wool hats for cancer survivors. He was very active in his church and was a Trustee; a member of the Civil Air Patrol; a Cub Scout Master; and a regular volunteer of Kenai Senior Center where he was the president of Senior Connections. Frank and Ardith were always working on projects improving the house they had built, including a recent addition of a sunroom to enjoy watching the ocean from. Frank loved living in Alaska and was a pilot, fisherman and hunter.

We will remember his love of family, colorful sense of humor, work ethic, independent spirit, and love of the Packers.

Mourning the loss of his life is his bride of 62 years, Ardith Arbelovsky; son, Steve (Betsy) Arbelovsky, daughter, Sue (Michael) Brogan, son, Stacy (Marideth) Arbelovsky; daughter-in-law, Rizalyn Arbelovsky (widow of son Scott Arbelovsky); grandchildren, Casey (Kirsten) Brogan, Micaela (Shane) Maguire, Chris (Larissa) Arbelovsky, Stephanie (Jamie) Queen, Michael (Sarah) Foglia, Joe Foglia, Charlie (Evette) Foglia, Cody & Amber Arbelovsky (mother Myra Macasu); 10 great-grandchildren; Sister Marie Svoboda; loving nieces and nephews; family members and friends throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Marie; brother, Joe; and son, Scott.

A service will be held at the Kenai Senior Center on Saturday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m. Frank will be buried at the City of Kenai cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Ardith would like you to consider a donation to the Kenai United Methodist Food Pantry. Contact Pastor Janice at 907-283-7868.