Arva L. Wellenkotter

Arva was ‘born and raised on a farm’, as she often said, to Arven and Ella Scrimger on January 1, 1929, in Lapeer, Michigan. Her life took her to a teaching career that started in small rural schools, then to the Royal Oak district and Japan in the years shortly after the war. In Japan she taught music at an Air Force base on Hokkaido and formed a choir of local children that toured the country.

She and Carl met and made their home in Southeast Michigan, living in Berkley and Rochester Hills. Arva continued to work as a substitute teacher while pouring energy into her family and a range of hobbies that built a vast store of friendships; music, art of many kinds, golf and travel. In her younger years, Arva was a paid soloist at concerts and events in the Detroit area. Area seemed always in motion after something that interested her or to help someone else - a house or a boat that needed painting, or a child that needed a reading tutor.

Arva will be remembered for her adventurous spirit and her ability to throw herself completely into the needs of others. Her life was enriched by the family and friends who surrounded her, and her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Arva is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Carl; her son, Kurt (Dorota) Wellenkotter; and her cherished grandchildren, Elsa and Michal. She is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dale Scrimger; her sister, Ann Scrimger; and her sister-in-law, Donna Stein.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307. Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 6, at 10:00 a.m., family and friends are invited to meet directly at Van Hoosen Jones Stoney Creek Cemetery for the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Arva's honor may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church.