Arlin Saul Schwanke

Contributed by:  Joe Fulton

Obituary from the Dallas, Or Itemizer-Observer

     Arlin Saul Schwanke, 18, of Monmouth died Thursday as a result of a car accident.
From day one, Arlin was all boy and developed into a fine young man. He loved farming, trucks, and America. As a young child, he enjoyed riding on farm equipment with his dad! Arlin evolved from working on
     Tonka trucks to beefing up his tuff trucks! He was the kind of son that would make sure his mom’s car was in running order before his own. Arlin was the best son a parent could ask for.       When he was 3 1/2 years old he prayed with his dad to commit his heart to Christ. He was always happy to help others. He grew into a man who spoke his mind with compassion and conviction and had found the freedom to be his own person. Arlin was tender, caring and protective of his sisters. He was a big brother, through and through, and was the definition of “brother.” He enjoyed all things outdoors—four-wheeling, shooting, fishing, swimming, camping, and more four-wheeling! There are no words to properly express the son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend that he was, or how much he meant to those who knew him.
     In high school, Arlin played football for Kings Valley/Falls City with his best friends Bo and Tristan. He was chosen to play in the Oregon All Stars 1A football game this year in La Grande. Upon graduation from high school this year he earned a full scholarship to the John Deere mechanic program. Arlin chose to serve his country by joining the Marines and he and Bo were due to enlist on Aug. 5.
     Arlin was very outgoing and brought a smile to everyone’s face. He was the life of the party, never missing an opportunity to put his four-wheeling skills or his strength to the test! He was always kind, and a born leader.
     He was preceded in death by his sister, Jewell Newland and grandfather, James Lewis.
Survivors include his mother, Jennifer Murphy and stepfather, Joel Lanford; father, Eric Schwanke; sisters, Katie Schwanke and Angel Church; stepmother, Suzie Wutzke; grandmother, Paula Lewis; grandparents, Howard and Hannah Schwanke; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.