Memorial
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eleanor M. Arp, who departed this life on November 14, 2025, at the age of 99. Born on May 3, 1926, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Eleanor was a beacon of love and kindness, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who touched the lives of all who knew her.
Eleanor was the daughter of Rollin T. Heald and Verlie M. Petty. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, where she would eventually lay the foundation for a life filled with love, determination, and service to others. On November 20, 1944, she married her husband, Robert E. Arp. Following Robert’s passing, she carried on with grace and resilience.
Eleanor was a woman of many talents and worked with great pride throughout her life. In the late 1940s, she and Robert operated a small grocery store near Coe College. She was no stranger to hard work, working and living on a small farmstead while raising small children, holding various positions at Bell Telephone Company, Square D, Armstrong's, and Killian's Department Stores, always stepping in where needed to support her family. Her contributions were not just financial; they were a testament to her unwavering dedication to those she loved.
Eleanor's greatest joy came from her family. She was a loving mother to her children: Peggy (Terry) Warner, Susan Arp Sample, Robert (Debra) Arp, and Ellen (Marc) Eulberg. She took immense pride in her role as a mother, nurturing her children and instilling in them the values of kindness, humility, and hard work. She also raised a niece (Janet Arp) and nephew (Terry Arp) for almost ten years after their parents passed away. Eleanor’s embrace was a sanctuary for her family, holding close not only her children but also her 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, with a great-great-grandchild on the way. She attended all her grandchildren's sports and life events, celebrating their milestones with joy and enthusiasm. Christmas was a special time for Eleanor; she devoted herself to making the holiday magical for her family, always ensuring that it was filled with love and cherished memories.
Eleanor's character was defined by her giving spirit and boundless love. She was known for her humility, kindness, and her willingness to help others. Her faith in Jesus Christ was a guiding force in her life, and she was an active member of her community, often volunteering her time to assist those in need.
Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert E. Arp, and her beloved sisters: Helen Donisthorpe, Winifred Tvrdik, and Margaret Roemhild, niece Janet Arp, grandson Luke Arp. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Eleanor’s remarkable life will be held on November 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, family will arrive one hour prior to the service to gather with family & friends. A burial to follow the service at Garden of the Last supper, Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at West Ridge Care Center for their exceptional care and compassion given to Eleanor. Her two and half years at West Ridge allowed her to continue to make many friends and help others as they passed through the facility.
Eleanor M. Arp will be profoundly missed but will forever remain in the hearts of those she loved. Her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.