Arlen Keith Vollstedt was born June 17, 1948, in Seward, to Norman and Lois (Niewedde) Vollstedt and passed away Dec. 26, 2020, surrounded by his family in Garland at the age of 72 years, 6 months and 9 days.
Arlen grew up in Garland, where he attended Zion Lutheran School and then attended two years at Garland High School before the family moved to Beaver Crossing. He graduated from Beaver Crossing High School with the Class of 1966. Arlen was united in marriage to Susan Lynn Suellwold on Dec. 15, 1967, at Zion Lutheran Church. Arlen owned A & D Drywall for many years, working in the Seward and Lincoln areas.
Arlen was the co-founder of Circle G Livestock and was very active in 4-H. He loved helping his children with their cattle and hog projects and he enjoyed raising cattle with his friend, Gary Plautz. Arlen loved everyone and taught his kids to do the same. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events. He had a special bond with his two dogs, Whiskey and Wilbur. Arlen was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served as a church elder. He was a man who had a strong faith in the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeff in 1987; parents-in-law, Chester and Margaret Suellwold; sister, Bonnie Jean Vollstedt; brother-in-law, Dennis Koranda, Jr.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jan and Karl Hoehler.
Arlen is survived by his wife, Susan Vollstedt, Garland; three daughters, Jenny and husband, Jason Brase, Staplehurst, Julie and husband, Chad Phillips, Garland, Janelle and husband, Travis Schaefer, Garland; 10 grandchildren: Jalynn Brase, Jeana Brase, Janessa Brase, Sabryn Phillips, Cooper Phillips, Jagger Phillips, River Phillips, Traetyn Schaefer, Talan Schaefer and Jeffi Schaefer; two sisters, Lodeen Koranda, Seward, Cheryl and husband, Dan Gray, Grand Island; brother-in-law, Doug and wife, LeAnn Suellwold, Garland; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
A funeral service was Dec. 31 at Zion Lutheran Church in Garland with interment in the church cemetery. In liey of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Vollstedt family for future designation. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
