Pastor George Arlin Steffes

Pastor George Arlin Steffes, 84, entered his rest on October 28, 2017 at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. His passing was sudden, but peaceful and followed the day after a period of bonding and prayer with his family, reaffirming his belief in the promise of the imminent return of Jesus Christ, and the hope of eternal life in heaven.

“Arlin” was the only child of the late George Steffes and Clara Steffes White, born on October 18, 1933 in Sauk Centre, Minn. He moved with his family to Northern California during his grade school years.

Arlin knew at a young age that he wanted to spend his life dedicated to God, and serving others in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He attended Lodi Academy, Pacific Union College and Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan where he earned his Master’s degree.

Arlin married his sweetheart, Cynthia “Cindy” Hockett on August 31, 1958 in Santa Barbara, CA. She had all the qualities of a perfect partner in serving the Lord and they were married for 59 years.

After graduating college, Arlin began his career in teaching and ministry and was employed by the Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day-Adventists. He retired in 2008, but continued his service, which totaled 59 years.

Arlin’s church members, friends, and family will remember him as a joyful person with a good sense of humor, sympathetic and generous to others, a good and compassionate listener, and a Biblical scholar with a profound understanding of God’s character and the Scriptures.

Model railroads, Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. presidents, old hymns, progressive jazz, classical music and playing the flute at church and school bands are just some of the hobbies and interests that Arlin enjoyed in addition to studying the Bible.

Arlin spent most of his life in various Northern California cities, and moved to Roseville in 2011. He was a member of the Carmichael Seventh-Day Adventist church.

Arlin is survived by his wife, Cindy; his daughters Holly Perkins and April Weister; and his granddaughters Claire and Grace Perkins.

A private graveside service was held for Arlin in November. He is buried at the Newcastle, CA Cemetery.

A celebration memorial service for Arlin will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at the Carmichael Seventh-Day Adventist church, located at 4600 Winding Way, Carmichael, CA at 2:30 in the afternoon. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, at Arlin’s request, please make donations to AWR (Adventist World Radio), ADRA (Adventist Disaster Relief Association, Maranatha, and Canvasback Missions.