Eric Laurence Arvesen
Eric Laurence Arvesen, retired naval officer, 47, of Plymouth, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes in the evening on Saturday, Oct. 11, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center – Plymouth Campus.
He was born on April 8, 1967, in Harvey, Ill., to Robert C. and Janet L. (Van Asten) Arvesen. One year later the family moved to Plymouth where he would receive his education. During high school he was active with theater and choir, graduating from Plymouth High School in 1985.
At an early age it was well recognized by family and friends that Eric possessed an innate virtue of caring for others willingly and selflessly, as he accepted the duty of lovingly caring for his ailing parents and his sister Barbara. He carried that same dedication to serve others when he chose a career in the United States Navy, in which he honorably served for over 24 years, retiring as Chief Petty Officer. During the Persian Gulf War he was a boatswain mate and had major assignments on the USS Wainwright, USS Elliot and USS Jarrett. He was stationed in San Diego for many years and later became an emergency medical technician (EMT) with the city’s Disaster Relief and Recovery Team. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall County Post 1162. Eric maintained a home with his soul mate Angelique M. ‘Angie’ Palmitessa-Weidner, quickly embraced her five children into his life, and became a father figure to Adriana, Angie’s granddaughter. Forever present was his canine friend Shadow.
Eric is survived by sisters: Nancy P. Bice, Marshall, Mich.; Karen M. Green, Plymouth; Patty L. Pynaert, Mishawaka; brothers: Robert (Rhonda) Arvesen Jr., Plymouth; Jerry (Janice) Arvesen, Bloomington; sister-in-law: Paula Arvesen, Bremen; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister: Barbara E. Arvesen; and brother: Mark E. Arvesen.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at the funeral home, with Reverend Herb Hiatt, Plymouth’s Church of the Heartland, officiating. Military honors will immediately be accorded by members of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall County Post 1162 and the D.A.V. Burial will be in the Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be given to Marshall County Humane Society, P.O. Box 22, Plymouth, IN 46563 or the Disabled American Veterans – Marshall County Chapter #42 c/o 4632 Queen Road, Plymouth, IN 46563.