ATKINS:  Arlen M. Gerhold, 87, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, August 7, 2022, surrounded by his loving children.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, August 12, at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins, with the Rev. Jeff Schanbacher officiating. Interment will be held at St. Stephen's Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 11 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins.

Arlen was born on June 4, 1935, to Carl and Emma (Happel) Gerhold on the family farm in Atkins, Iowa. He attended St. Stephen's Lutheran School and graduated from Atkins High School in 1952. After working at Midland Forge for two years, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and was stationed at Fort Louis in Washington. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1962. While enlisted, he pitched on the U.S. Army's baseball team and continued playing for the Atkins baseball team after being discharged. Arlen was united in marriage on February 11, 1961, to Barbara Sandler at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.

In addition to farming near Atkins, he worked for Cryovac and Schwitters. After becoming a realtor in 1972, he worked for Bickel and Byers, Byers Happel, Landmark, First Realty, and Iowa Realty. He never forgot a name or a face even after his retirement after 35 years as a realtor. Together, Arlen and Barbara enjoyed spending time in their garden, and loved to play cards with their card club members. They also enjoyed many family vacations to Branson and the Ozarks area in Missouri. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him!

Survivors include son, Curt (Lori) Gerhold of Atkins, daughters Kathy (late James Maddox) of Cedar Rapids, Sue (Chris) Dolan of Fairfax, Sally (Matt) Polansky of Atkins, and Dianna (Brad) Svoboda of Cedar Rapids. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents, brother Carl Jr., sister Martha L. Burns, sister Lolita Schanbacher, and son-in-law James Maddox.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Prairie Hills Assisted Living.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com