Memorial services will take place to celebrate the life of Arliss “Arlie” Bachtle of Albert Lea at 11 a.m. Friday at Assemblies of God Church at 1540 S. Shore Drive in Albert Lea. His sons the Revs. Tim Bachtle and Tom Bachtle will officiate along with the Rev. Mark Geselle. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery following the service and luncheon. Friends may visit with the family at Bonnerup Funeral Service from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and one hour before the service at the church Friday.

It was a spiritual moment as Arlie left for heaven on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in his home, while his family surrounded him in prayer, song and scripture passages. He was welcomed into heaven at the age of 82 (1 John 5:11-13).

He was born Sept. 12, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Edgar and Audres (Waage) Bachtle. In 1944, their family moved to Albert Lea from Washington.

Arlie proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War until his honorable discharge  in October 1955. He married Maxine Peterson on Aug. 24, 1956, in Albert Lea.

Arlie worked multiple jobs providing for his family. Most of his career was working for Wilson & Co. for 15 years until his election as a business agent for the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which he retained for 20 years until his retirement in 1990.

Arlie loved Albert Lea and was very active in his community. He served on the Albert Lea City Council in the 6th Ward for 28 years, as well as many other boards and committees. He was awarded the key to the city for his dedication and service as councilman and mayor pro-ten.

Arlie enjoyed the family cabin in the middle of Chippewa National Forest, where he would relax, fish and spend time with family.

He also enjoyed participating and following athletics throughout his life. He spent time watching his children and grandchildren’s activities. Many lifelong friends were made while playing fastpitch softball and camping.

He was also a faithful Albert Lea wrestling fan for more than 50 years.

Most important of all, Arlie was a man of great character who loved people. He was selfless, honest, loyal, humble, kind, respectful and devoted to those he knew. Arlie had a great sense of humor; he loved to tease. His mission was to make life a little better for all.

Arlie was a faithful member of the Assembly of God Church, where he served as usher and was known as the “gum man.” He knew Jesus as his personal savior and believed God’s word as truth. He was so thankful for the forgiveness of his sins and how God blessed his life. In the midst of his terminal diagnosis, he continued to be thankful and faithful to God.

Arlie was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Max; four children, Todd (Paula) Bachtle of Albert Lea, Tim (Kim) Bachtle of Owatonna, Tom (Angela) Bachtle of Sydney, Australia, and Tami (Steve) Curry of Alexandria; grandchildren Langdon Bachtle (Rani) and their children Haley, Leah, Aliyah, Rhea, Zoie, Jali and Gracie, Levi (Jamie) Bachtle and their son, Brantley, Dyllan Engebretson, Tim (Danae’) Bachtle Jr. and their sons Brady and Bryer, Josiah (Courtney) Bachtle and their sons Grayson and Bennett, Ben (Monica) Bachtle, Tommy Bachtle, Emily Bachtle, Caleb (Jess) Curry and their children Macoy, Mazzilyn, Neela and Nyah, Cody Curry and Chris Curry; sister, Darlene Anderson, of Blue Earth; brothers Gary (Molly) Bachtle of Northwood and Lanny (Joan) Bachtle of Kansas City, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Edgar; mother, Audres, and her husband, Orville Tufte; infant brother, Ronald Bachtle; sister, Janis Reeder, and her husband, Steve; brothers-in-law Arnie Anderson and Bob VerHey; and great-grandchildren’s mother, Kelly Abrego.

The bible passage Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” is a true reflection of how Arliss lived his life — always putting others first.

He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.