Gene D. Arlt of Northport, a long-time resident of Ritzville, entered into rest on Jan. 10, 2010 at the age of 78.
Gene was born on Jan. 24,1931 to John J. and Wilma E. Arlt in Ritzville. He later graduated from Ritzville High School in 1949 and from there worked as a mechanic in Ritzville until he was drafted by the U.S. Marine Corp in 1951. He served in the Korean Conflict as an aircraft mechanic, keeping the Corsair fighter planes operational. After his tour of duty, he came back to Ritzville and worked as a farm hand until he was employed by Boeing Aircraft Company in Renton. He worked at Boeing until taking over the family farm in Ritzville, where he stayed with his wife and family for the next 30 years.
After his retirement from farming, Gene and his wife, Pearl, moved to their home in Northport, overlooking the Columbia River.
On July 23,1955 he married Pearl Elizabeth Hunt of Deer Park. They met at the Fireman’s Ball in Washtucna. They were married three months later. On July 2, 1956 they had their first child, Gregory Gene. On Oct. 30, 1958 they were blessed by a daughter, Karma Kae.
Gene was a member of the Northport American Legion, where he participated in parades, the monthly meetings with his fellow veterans, and honoring fellow veterans as a member of the American Legion Honor Guard. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards with friends and family, and assisting his children, grandchildren or friends with any mechanical endeavor they might need help with. He really enjoyed cheering his children and grandchildren on in their sports and other activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Wilma, and by his wife of 52 years, Pearl.
He is survived by a son, Gregg Arlt and his wife Julienne, Spokane Valley; a daughter, Karma Goodwin and her husband, James Goodwin, Northport; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb.6 at the Berean Bible Church in Spokane Valley.
Gene wished that any memorial contributions be made to Northport Community Health Center, PO Box 178, Northport, WA 99157 or Project 56, 219 W. Main, Ritzville, WA 99169.
Please visit the online memorial and sign the guest book at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.
Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.