Donald F. ARVESON

ARVESON, Donald F. 93, of Tucson, went to be with his Lord July 1, 2017. Don was very dedicated to His Lord Jesus Christ and has been on a journey to his heavenly destination since the age of 38 when he invited Christ into his life and became a new person. Born in Albert Lea, MN, in 1924 to Henry and Erna Arveson, he graduated from high school in Albert Lea and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and entered the Navy officer program at Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN. He was commissioned in 1944 and immediately reported to the Navy Underwater Demolition Team in Florida. He served with the UDT for the balance of WWII and was called again to duty during the Korean War. He was the commanding officer of several Naval Reserve commands in Tucson, and was ultimately appointed group commander over all the Naval Reserve commands in the area. The UDT became the Navy Seals in the 1970's and Captain Arveson qualified as a Seal shortly after. After active duty, he attended the University of Arizona Law School, graduating in 1950. He was a practicing attorney in Tucson for over 50 years, retiring in 1992. After receiving the Lord Jesus Christ he became involved with Bible Study Fellowship and ultimately became a teaching leader for men representing over 60 churches. He was a member of Rincon Mountain Presbyterian Church (PCA). Our dad reminisced: "I have had a wonderful, challenging life, transitioning from general selfishness to the exciting life of surrendering all to Jesus Christ. I have experienced the wonderful realization that my life is in the hands of God, who is always there and never lets me down."  Don is with his Savior, not because of any goodness on his part, but all because of what Jesus did for him. He would say to you, "A life in Christ is the only way to go for the joy of being His and amazingly, that includes eternal life with Him." He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Ross of Tucson, whom he met at the Hotel del Coronado during an afternoon tea dance.  Don is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Thomas of Saddlebrook, AZ and her daughter, Lisa Pacior of Indiana; his four daughters, Anne (Monte) Keltner of Monterey, CA, Mary Beth (Bob) Newman of Tucson, Janet Rustenbach of Colorado Springs, CO and Susan (John) O'Hair of Tucson as well as by 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Rincon Mountain Church with a joyful celebration thereafter. Please give any memorial gifts to the Christian organization of your choice or Desert Christian Schools of Tucson. Arrangements by DESERT ROSE HEATHER MORTUARY.