George Michael Arkfeld of Panama, Iowa, 92, passed away on the morning of November 11, 2024 at his home in Oceanside, California.
Born June 3, 1932 to parents George and Mary Arkfeld, George Jr. is the last of his siblings: brothers Vincent, Clem, and Archbishop Leo; his sisters Lucille, Florence, Sally, Rita, and Sylvia. George survived them all, and in turn is survived by his sons: Leo S., Daniel George, and William Lawrence Arkfeld, and his sisters-in-law: Carol and Judy Funk. He leaves behind grand and great-grandchildren: Leo, Michael, Jennifer, and Ridge Arkfeld, Stephanie Gray and her children Roman Jr. and Rylie; Emily Gray and her children Norah and Henry, Allison Aguilar and her son Rylan, their brother Matthew Arkfeld; Chauncey, Zoé, and Ivy Arkfeld.
He now joins his children David (d.-1957), Jennifer (d.-1959), and his beloved wife Josephine Barbara Arkfeld (1931-2008).
After graduation from St. Mary’s High School in 1950, George was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War, serving as an MP in Texas. He would later attend the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul Minnesota, where he married Josephine Funk. In 1958, George and Josie headed west, where George worked for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, attending inmates in the County’s incarceration system. He became so respected in his field that the LA Times once featured him on the cover of the Metro section. Eventually, George pivoted his career toward buying and renovating housing properties, where he found great personal and financial success.
As a family man, Mr. Arkfeld enjoyed road trips, photography, yard sailing, attending the Rose Parade, falling asleep in recliners, and recounting little jokes. As a man of God, George led the scripture reading at mass each week. As a community member, George never judged anyone, and his resilient optimism was always on display.
Behind that lived no pretense, or purpose beyond the purity of his indomitable kindness. George was a man of humility and empathy. As such, he became a father figure to many people beyond his blood. As a fellow of the earth, he loved his garden, his citrus trees, and sunshine.
He was soft and certain when speaking, open of mind, and though his opinions were firm, if some anger or malintent ever lived within him, then none knew it besides his mind and God above. In all, George was born to a big family on a small farm in Iowa, made a big family of his own, loved deeply, was fascinated by and traveled the wide world… but nothing brought him more joy than being among the many he cared for. He lived fully, drinking deeply from the well of life. George will be missed by all who knew him. A vigil is to be held at Oceanside Mortuary on November 15 from 2-5pm, followed by a Mass at Oceanside Mortuary on November 16th at 11am.