J. Glen Arko, age 84, of Castle Rock, CO, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019. Glen was born May 23, 1934 in Canyon City, Colorado to Ethel Irene (Langstaff) Arko and John Frank Arko, who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Lynn Arko and granddaughter, April Tanner Wheeler. Glen is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara (Hessel) Arko of Castle Rock, CO; his daughters, Ardell Marie (Steven Sparhawk) Arko-Sparhawk of Parker, CO and Renee Maureen (Thomas Vincent Boos) Arko of Lone Tree, CO; his grandchildren, Michael Paul (Katie) DeBonis III of Silver Bay, MN, Caitlin Marie DeBonis of Denver, CO, Erika Arko Hansen and Alexandra Arko Hansen, both of Lone Tree, CO; his great-grandchildren, Nadia Wheeler of Littleton, CO, Izan Wheeler of Salida, CO, Avery Michelle DeBonis, Karsyn Marie DeBonis and Michael Paul DeBonis IV, all of Silver Bay, MN; his brother, Robert Lee (Susan Levie-Arko) Arko of Atlanta, GA; and other loving family and friends.
John Glen Arko passed away on Sunday after battling severe respiratory issues for the past two decades. Glen was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather to his family. Glen was determined to make those around him laugh and smile. He was notorious for pulling off the most outrageous practical jokes, whether it was at a church, a wedding, his work, or a gala. He was known for his dedication and commitment to making Colorado a better place. Because of his outstanding fundraising achievements, he will be remembered for decades to come by the following organizations: The University of Denver, The University of Northern Colorado (James A. Michener Library), The Denver Symphony Orchestra, Children's Hospital of Denver, The Institute for Health Education (Lutheran Medical Center), The Central City Opera House Association, Arko Executive Services, The Arapahoe House, and The Rocky Mountain Stroke Association.
"Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away... Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru. In llama land, there's a one-man band and he'll toot his flute for you. Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue. Once I get you up there I'll be holding you so near, you may hear angels cheer 'cause we're together. Come on fly with me, we'll fly, we'll fly. Pack up, let's fly away." -Frank Sinatra
Mass of Christian Burial for Glen will be held Monday, February 11, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 8035 South Quebec St, Centennial, CO 80112. A Committal Service will begin at 12:30 pm, Monday February 11, 2019 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life Reception in the Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary Summit Room at 1:00 pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Arko family.
