Donald Ray Arp

Donald Ray Arp, 99, of Davenport, died Friday, November 15, 2024, at Ridgecrest Village, Davenport. Arrangements are with Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Ridgecrest Village Koning Center, with visitation at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.

Born July 1, 1925, to Julius and Elsie Arp, Don was a lifelong resident of Davenport. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946. Stationed in the South Pacific, he was a radio technician and tail gunner on a dive bomber. Returning from duty in 1946, he attended the American Institute of Commerce (AIC) in Davenport where fellow student, Elna Bryan, was assigned to the desk next to him. Their attraction was mutual and they married in January of 1949.

Don held various sales and sales management positions throughout his career, retiring from Fidlar & Chambers in 1985. An avid golfer, he enjoyed weekly rounds at Duck Creek Golf Course where his father, Julius, was golf course and park superintendent for 42 years. He was a sharp card player, steadfast Cubs fan and always enjoyed a day of fishing on lakes in Northern Minnesota.

Active in Church life, he served as a deacon and elder during many years of membership at both First Presbyterian and Newcomb Presbyterian churches. Later in life, Don became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Throughout his life, and most especially in his later years, Don maintained a positive outlook on life and all it had to offer. When asked if he was having a good day, his response was always, “Every day is a good day. Some are just better than others.” He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Don is survived by his son, Steve (Stephanie) Arp; daughter, Libbi (Waylyn) McCulloh; grandchildren, Benjamin Arp, of Golden, CO, Maureen (Jarred) Hodgden, of Sussex, WI, Patrick (Vyanna) Moriarty, of San Diego, CA, Sarah (Eric) Neer, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio; and great-grandchildren, Elliott Hodgden, Isla Neer, and Adelyn Neer.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Elna; his parents; and brother, Howard Arp.

The family is deeply grateful for the many years of loving care provided to Don by the Oakwood Staff at Ridgecrest Village and also by the staff at St. Croix Hospice during his final weeks.

Memorials may be given to Ridgecrest Foundation, St. Croix Hospice, First Presbyterian Church, Newcomb Presbyterian Church, or Trinity Lutheran Church.