Arden Eugene Lemponen

Arden Eugene Lemponen age 87, beloved husband for 16 years of Sallie (nee McElwain), and the late Juanita Mae (nee Brew); loving father of Craig (wife Lisa), and Shelly Krull (husband Bill); devoted grandfather of Tim (Kristi) Gamble Sr., Eric Lemponen, Mikey Lemponen (wife Jill), Brittney Apger (husband Tim), Timmer Lemponen (wife Kayla), Jared, Allison, and Jordan Krull and great grandfather of Kyra Apger, Tim Gamble, Jr., Carson Gamble, Grace and Arden (Ardie) Lemponen; cherished son of the late Hubert and Fern (nee Funk); dearest brother of the late Carl Lemponen; dear brother-in-law, uncle, and “gruncle” of many.

Arden was born in Geneva, Ohio on May 19, 1934 and passed away peacefully on July 18, 2021. He was a long-time Wickliffe resident for over 60 years, moving to Mentor 16 years ago. Arden graduated from Wickliffe High School in 1952, served in the U.S. Air Force, attended Miami University in Ohio, and later graduated from Tri-C with a degree in Fire Science. He was a Wickliffe Firefighter for his entire 29-year career. Arden was an active member of Nottingham Baptist Church for 57 years, where he ministered as a deacon, usher, and Sunday school teacher. He was a dedicated Awana youth ministry leader for 44 years, and also volunteered for inner-city missions. Arden had many interests, but his favorite was finding bicycles at thrift stores and fixing them up to give to children. He also enjoyed reading, especially the Bible, and spending time with his beloved family. Puzzles, Sudoku, and spending time fixing up his 1921 Model T were also some of his passions. Arden was truly a godly man of faith who was gentle, wise, generous, thoughtful, and caring. He was a strong yet patient man, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Arden to Justin P. Rogers Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road Akron, 44333. Celebration of Life Service THURSDAY July 22, 2021 at 11 AM at Nottingham Baptist Church, 2921 Bishop Road, Willoughby Hills. Burial following with Military Honors at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Arden at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) WEDNESDAY 4-8 PM, and at NOTTINGHAM BAPTIST CHURCH THURSDAY 10-11 AM.