Carl Dennis Arkens

Carl Dennis Arkens, 83, died on August 13, 2025, at Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 4, 1942. He and his wife moved their family to the Rogue Valley over 50 years ago. Carl had a love for chickens, trains, and gardening. At one time he had over 30 orchids blooming beautifully throughout their Eagle Point home. He definitely had a green thumb! Carl was known as a hard worker and taught his boys that same work ethic.

Carl was proceeded in death by his mother, Mildred, step father, Mel, father, Carl, his two brothers, Gene Arkens and Donald Arkens, and wife, Darlene Joan Arkens, in 2020 whom he had been married to for 59 years. Carl is survived by his sons, David Arkens and wife Kimberly, Donald Arkens and wife Michelle, two grandchildren, Nadine Winn and Bradley Arkens, four great grandchildren, Callista, Harrison, Amelia, Jonathan, and a fifth great granddaughter due in early December.

Carl was a lifelong Christian who practiced his faith every day and was involved in many Lutheran churches in the Rogue Valley. He loved singing in the choir at St. Peter’s Lutheran church for many years. He had a way of striking up conversations with total strangers, and he recognized every past customer from his years in the grocery business as assistant manager at Van Wey’s Market in Jacksonville, Oregon. Up until 2020, Carl volunteered for Asante at Rogue Valley Medical Center and was known to run the occasional patient who had arrived at the wrong side of the hospital in a wheelchair to Labor and Delivery. He was once honored to be named Volunteer of the Year by Asante.

Carl was funny and kind, and he had a tendency to send corny jokes to the grandkids over the years and great grandchildren in recent years. He was also known as surprising the “greats” with a box of goodies usually including bags of crunchy Cheetos, Dairy Queen gift cards and random little toys. Carl was a great friend to many, a great dad and grandpa. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

In deference to Carl’s wishes, no formal service will be held.