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BORN
1936
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Arlen Vanke Obituary
No services were held as were his wishes. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory.
Born in 1936 in Barberton, Ohio to Louis and Vilge Vanke, Arlen started drag racing as a teen. The first defining moment came when he had to tell his father that he broke the transmission in their first brand new car when it was less than a month old, with his not yet famous 1-2 power shift. To Arlen's surprise, his father simply said, "It's Tuesday, your mother don't need the car 'til Friday." Good Louie and his mother always supported their son's ambition to become a drag racer, and become one he did, winning many national events and setting records all over the country. He also did alot of nobody-befores-or-afters, such as winning all five national events in 1970 and sneaking out of the rehab hospital to attend recognition and important events as recent as last Father's Day here in Akron for the historical drag racers marker at the Akron Municipal Airport and inducted into the Michigan Motorplex Hall of Fame last November.
He is survived by wife, Fay of 27-1/2 years; son, Craig; and grandchildren.
We love you "Akron Arlen" and will miss you. Happy Motoring!
Donations may be sent c/o Akron Arlen, 836 Mohawk Trail, Akron, OH 44312.
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. 811 S. Gold Ave., Deming, NM 88030. Phone: 575.546.9671
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arlen Vanke
Sponsored by DemingHeadlight.com.
5 Entries
Tom Myl
June 15, 2023
Six years later and the empty space is still in my heart.
Dave Bartee
September 10, 2018
Meet Arlen n the late 50s wanted to race my 409 Chevy 1957. Not knowing at the time who he was. The car he had was a 1956 white Chevy. He left me at the gate and never looked back, thanks for that memory. Dave Bartee Las Vegas formerly of Barberton Ohio
April 15, 2018
Arlen rebuilt my Max Wedge carbs-3447's. 4 of them. He was a great person and down to earth. Thanks for the memories. John Kailholz
June 22, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tom Myl
June 21, 2017
my friend and my mentor has passed. Rest in peace, Arlen,. I will miss you greatly
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Baca's Funeral Chapels and Mimbres Crematory of Deming811 S Gold Ave, Deming, NM 88030
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