Dr. Arlo Edward Dunning

Nov. 14, 1923-Nov. 15, 2008

Dr. Arlo Dunning finished his walk of faith and passed from this world into the next and with his new body was reunited with our Lord Jesus Christ and our forefathers.

Arlo was born Nov. 14, 1923 to Merrick and Laura (Schwanke) Dunning in Renton, Wash., spent his childhood in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1942. He briefly attended the University of Washington where he was in the ROTC.

Drafted in April 1943 to honorably serve his country in WWII, Arlo went to Army Basic Training at Ft. Bragg, N.C., and after attending Army Engineering School at New York University, N.Y., he was in the 329th Combat Engineers, attached to the 104th Timber Wolves as a PFC Infantry Demolition Specialist. He served in the Northern France, Belgium, Rhineland and Central European Campaigns. Once the Nazi Axis fell he returned to the U.S. to prepare for deployment to Japan. Japan surrendered before he was shipped out and the war ended. Arlo was honorably discharged from Ft. Lewis January 1946.

Arlo met his future wife Maria Timmerman of Forest Grove, Ore., where he was attending college and they were joined in holy matrimony at Mt. Olive Lutheran church in Forest Grove on April 10, 1949. They were continually steadfast, faithful and loving toward one another.

Arlo graduated from Pacific University’s School of Optometry in 1949 and in 1950 moved to Moses Lake to become an independent business owner as Moses Lake’s first optometrist. He and Maria enjoyed working with their customers until they retired in 1987. After retirement he and his son Dean built a new house together. Continuing to work, he and Maria purchased and remodeled some of the oldest houses in Odessa, Wash.

Prior to becoming a member of Christ The Savior Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in George, Wash., Arlo was a longstanding member of Moses Lake’s Grace Lutheran church. At Grace Lutheran he gladly took on many duties and responsibilities, and as church organist he played enthusiastically for 46 years. He was active in the community and was a lifetime member of the Kiwanis. He was a social person with many hobbies and interests making for a non-stop, all-out life. He was a fisherman, hunter, boater, camper, artist/painter, wood worker, builder, farmer, gardener and musician.

Arlo follows his father, mother and older brother Rodney Dunning into eternal glory and is survived by Maria, his beloved and loving wife of 59 years; son Ed and wife Melissa, who have two children Madelyn and Egan; son Dean and wife Debbie, and children Allyson, Laura, Samuel and Keenan; and also his sister-in-law Verona Dunning, all who one great day will be reunited with him through our Lord.

Arlo loved the Lord, his family, and many friends. Until we see him again he will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21 at Grace Lutheran Church in Moses Lake with Rev. Jeffry Berndt officiating. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. You may sign the guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.