Arlan Joseph - Arley Welch

Arlan, the eldest child of Arley and Lena Welch, was born August 20, 1928 and raised in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. His family was of American Indian ancestry and Arlan was very proud of this heritage. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard, and sister Sherry.

After high school, Arlan enlisted and served in the US Army for three years and returned home in 1949. His goal at that time was to teach art. He attended Ripon College for two years and then transferred to University of California, Santa Barbara receiving his B.A. Degree. After graduation, he was accepted into the University of California, Berkley where he earned his Master’s Degree in Art.

Over the next 32 years, Arlan worked as the art instructor at Lincoln High School. He taught mechanical drawing, sculpture, and painting. He supervised drama, volunteered as an AFS advisor, and coached tennis and baseball. For many years, he also taught adult art classes.

Arlan was involved in local theater, a passion that started in college. He was cast in several local theater productions in Roseville and Sacramento. His love for music included attending jazz festivals and watching television shows like Lawrence Welk and Ed Sullivan. Arlan played the guitar, piano, harmonica, and was an accomplished drummer. His hobbies included tennis, golf, dancing, hiking, ping pong, and swimming. During his life he enjoyed traveling with his wife and family visiting 28 different countries as well as all 50 states.

Arlan is survived by his wife of 75 years, Ruth, his daughter Terry (Mike) Dunn, Wendy (Mark) Files, grandchildren Madeleine (Chris) Bartlett and Adam Files, and great granddaughters Finely and Camille Bartlett.

A funeral service will be held at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Roseville on October 7, 2024 at 9:30 AM.