Arlen Richard Van Fossen

Arlen R. Van Fossen was born July 11, 1936 at St Agnes in Fresno, CA. Much of his childhood and teenage years were lived in Visalia, CA. Upon graduating high school in 1954, Arlen enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Japan for a while, then Germany, where he met and married Karin Biaesch September 22, 1960 while still stationed in Germany. After seven years of service Arlen returned to Visalia and began his higher education at College of the Sequoias. He finished his schooling at Fresno State College where he received his bachelor's degree, master’s degree, and teaching credential in industrial arts.

Arlen embarked on a 45+ year career in education. He worked for 31 years at Central High School beginning in 1965 where he primarily taught Central’s automotive mechanics class. During his tenure at Central High School Arlen had a truly positive impact on the students. He was well respected by and liked by his students and over the years he would often run into former students who would express great appreciation and gratitude for the education he provided them. His leadership extended past the classroom where would be a leader amongst his fellow teachers by serving over the years as union president and on the negotiation team. Arlen retired from teaching from Central High School in 1996. But teaching was still in his blood. Consequently, the last 15 years or so he worked he spent a significant amount of time substitute teaching for Fresno County Office of Education. His previous 30 plus years of teaching served him well. Just as before he was able to earn the respect of the challenging students he worked with, as well as his fellow FCOE colleagues. At work and in life Arlen always expressed a positive attitude toward the people around. This did not go unnoticed. Many people would often comment on his positive attitude and kindness toward others.

Arlen also had many hobbies. Not surprisingly one of these was an interest in vintage cars. His pride and joy in this vein was his 1933 Plymouth Coupe which he owned for many years. Arlen was also an avid amateur ham radio operator, another of one of his truly great passions. When it came to this, Arlen had the gift of gab, often delighting his fellow amateur ham radio operators with his anecdotes and observations. As with all ham radio operators, Arlen had a call sign that will ring on forever in the ears of his fellow ham radio operators and his family: WB6VAF. Arlen also very much enjoyed golfing which he pursued for many years. His greatest passion, however, was for his family. Even with the busy life he lead, giving attention to his family and showing love to his family was his top priority.

Arlen is survived by his wife Karin Van Fossen, his eldest son Gregory Van Fossen, his daughter Rene’ Van Fossen, his youngest son Kevin Van Fossen, grandson Kyle Van Fossen, eldest granddaughter Jetta Van Fossen, and youngest granddaughter Emma Van Fossen. With great joy for the love he gave us during his life, we announce with sadness his passing on May 14, 2019. We will keep your love and memory in our hearts now, always, and forever.