Arden Lloyd Stokstad

Arden Lloyd Stokstad, 81, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 19, 2025. Born January 9, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lloyd Johan Stokstad and Ruth Eleanor Stokstad (Feggestad), Arden's life was defined by his love for family, passion for sports and adventurous spirit.

Arden grew up in a loving family in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and attended Malcolm Price Laboratory School, where he sang in the chamber choir and participated in student government. A highlight of his youth was traveling to Denmark as a foreign exchange student, sparking a lifelong love of travel and meeting new people. A natural athlete and competitor, Arden excelled in sports including football, basketball, track and especially tennis. He was a well-respected leader as the quarterback of his high school football team, point guard for his basketball team and star tennis player. One of his proudest achievements was winning the Iowa State High School Tennis Championship in 1961.

He went on to the University of Iowa on a tennis scholarship, playing number one singles for the Hawkeyes from 1964 to 1966. He was active in the Student Senate and a member of Delta Chi fraternity.

After college, Arden began his career in Des Moines with Look magazine before joining Iowa Realty. From 1974 to 1976 he served as head tennis coach for Drake University. He later founded his own real estate company, Heritage Brokers. He remained civically engaged and served as a member of the Des Moines Park Board.

Arden played competitive tennis for many years and was regularly the number one ranked player in the state in his age category. He was inducted into the Iowa Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985, having mentored many young men and women who went on to successful tennis careers, including Iowa tennis great Roger Knapp, who won two state high school championships.

A passionate Iowa Hawkeye fan, he "bled black and gold" and took immense pride in following the Iowa men's and women's sports programs, celebrating every victory and achievement.

The defining joy of his youth was falling for his high school sweetheart, Robyn Henry. They married young, building a life centered on friendship, respect and laughter. For more than six decades they shared countless moments together, raising a family, traveling and cheering on their children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. Arden often said that Robyn's bright smile and spirit were his anchor and greatest joy.

Arden loved biking and the opportunity to make new friends wherever he went. Known by his nickname "The Walrus," he often imparted tidbits of wisdom to those who would listen. He was known for his humor, thoughtfulness and innate ability to make lasting connections. In 1995 he participated in the Iowa 150 Bike Ride Across America to celebrate Iowa's 150th anniversary, a testament to his adventurous spirit. Since his retirement in 2005, he cherished time with his children and grandchildren and remained a devoted member of his Friday morning "Young Men's" breakfast club for more than 55 years.

He was proud of his Norwegian heritage, loved sharing jokes about his Viking roots and had a deep love of history. A lifelong student and avid reader, he was especially fascinated by World War II and the Civil War and was an accomplished chess player and backgammon enthusiast.

Arden is survived by his beautiful and devoted wife, Robyn Stokstad (Henry); his children, Bryan Stokstad (wife Alessandra) and Keri Stokstad; and his cherished grandchildren, Sean Stokstad (wife Kelsey), Bailey Stokstad Hawkins (husband Bridger), Shelby Stokstad (partner Joe) and Becca Aronson (partner Austin). He was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Raeya Stokstad and Hazel Hawkins. Arden is lovingly remembered by his brothers, Richard Stokstad and Paul Stokstad (wife Rise, son Johan), and his sister, Mary Ruth Booth Eggert (husband Steve Eggert). He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Johan Stokstad; his mother, Ruth Eleanor Stokstad (Feggestad); his sister, Jan Stokstad (husband Greg); his grandson Andrew Stokstad; and dear family friend Jack E. Buss.

Arden will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, steady presence and unwavering love for his family, as well as for his witty remarks and thoughtful counsel to friends and loved ones. He was loyal and deeply committed to the people he cherished, finding joy in every new adventure. His life reflected a profound dedication to family and friends and a genuine desire to bring a smile and joy to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. For Arden from his family, Go Hawks!

A celebration of life will be held on November 9, 2025, in Des Moines. All who knew Arden are welcome. For location and details, please visit arden.thestokstads.com or contact the family directly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arden's memory to:

National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (supports Addison's disease research) nadf.us

University of Iowa Center for Advancement (University of Iowa Foundation) foriowa.org/ways-to-give.