Roland Arnell

Roland Arnell, age 98, went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 16, 2025.  Most recently from Indianapolis, IN and Crete, IL, Roland was born and raised in Chicago but lived most of his adult life in the Chicago suburbs of Glenwood and South Holland. Beloved husband of the late Betty Rae Arnell, nee Vanderaa; loving father of Mary (Gregory) Leffel, R. Scott (Cathryn) Arnell, and Lisbeth (James) Graves; cherished grandfather of Daniel Leffel, Kristin (Alec Brandon) Leffel, Rachel Leffel, Christian Arnell, Nicole Arnell, Mathis Arnell, Jessica (Anthony Hugley) Contreras, Marshall Back, and Tyler (Cynthia Kovach) Back; devoted great-grandfather of Lydia, Arlo, Karina, Gael, Xavier, Mika, Reagan, Anthony Jesse, and Marsh; dear brother of Donald (Jeanne) Arnell, Irene (late Alan) Antilla, and the late Lennart (late Lucille) Arnell. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Ruth Arnell.

Roland was a WWII Navy Veteran. Upon discharge, he attended Wheaton College and the Northwestern and Roosevelt Universities. He began a long career in the petroleum industry with the Standard and Shell oil companies before establishing his own petroleum distribution companies in Kankakee and Chicago Heights, IL.

In his 40’s, Roland earned his private pilot’s license for single engine aircraft and learned how to downhill snow ski and play tennis. He enjoyed skiing with his family for many years thereafter. Prior to learning to snow ski, Betty and Roland both learned and enjoyed water skiing.  Their love of the water led them to build a vacation home in Culver, Indiana, where they enjoyed many years of family time at Lake Maxinkuckee into their 90’s. He was a devoted Christian, serving many years as a church elder and deacon, praying faithfully and reading devotions daily with his beloved wife throughout his life.

Visitation Friday, August 22, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Reformed Church,130 N. Corning Rd., Beecher, IL, with the Rev. Nathan Voss officiating. Burial will take place following the service at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Lansing, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to the Faith United Reformed Church general fund.  For more information or to sign the online guestbook please contact 219-322-7300 or visit www.SMITSFH.com