Notes

Harry G. Arden was born on April 29, 1928, in Benld, Illinois, the son of Mike and Pelagia Arden. He passed away on July 6, 2022, at Heritage Health in Gillespie, Illinois, at the age of ninety-four.

When Harry was nine years old, his family relocated to Chicago, where he later graduated from Harrison Technical High School in 1946. His early career took him into the skies: he worked for Schumaker Flying Service, and earned an aircraft and engine mechanic's license and a commercial pilot's license, along with a flight instructor's rating. In 1950, he returned to the Benld area and, together with his brother John, established an aircraft repair shop at Hillsboro Airport.

His path shifted when he was drafted into the United States Army. After basic training, the Army sent him to Darmstadt, Germany, as a replacement aircraft mechanic. Recognizing his aptitude, Harry applied for helicopter flight training and was accepted into the U.S. Army Aviation School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He graduated as a warrant officer and was kept on as a flight instructor before receiving an honorable discharge in March 1955.

Following his military service, Harry pursued higher education with the same focus he brought to aviation. He enrolled at the University of Illinois and completed a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in May 1959. He went on to work briefly at McDonnell Aircraft before resigning to pursue graduate studies at Saint Louis University, where he earned a master's degree in the same field. His professional career included positions at Basler Electric in Highland, Illinois, and at Electrical Products Central Division (later Parsons Peebles), also in Highland. Much of his work involved extensive travel before his retirement in 1995.

Harry's intellect was recognized by his membership in Mensa, and he maintained a curious, hands-on nature throughout his life. He took pleasure in repairing things, and enjoyed golf, crossword puzzles, technical reading, and traveling with his wife, particularly recalling trips to Europe and Alaska.

His connection to Holy Dormition Orthodox Church in Benld was longstanding. He was a member of the parish and an enthusiastic member of the choir for decades. He was also affiliated with the Masonic Lodge 214 of Gillespie, the Mensa organization, and Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 217.

Harry married Millie Motika on August 1, 1959, at Holy Dormition Orthodox Church in Benld. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Millie; his niece, Sharon Moore, and her children, Dillon and Michael Moore; Dana LaFontsee of Wisconsin; sisters-in-law Olga Massa and Frances Arden of Wilsonville, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Nick, Steve, and John Arden; his sister Mary Pleny; and a sister who died in infancy.

Burial took place at Holy Dormition Cemetery in Benld.

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