Theodore "Ted" Martin Arkebauer

Theodore “Ted” Martin Arkebauer, 63, of Orion, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday June 28, 2026, surrounded by his devoted wife of 37 years, loving daughters, and his beloved dog, Zoe.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 on Monday, July 13, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Orion. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Orion or UnityPoint Hospice or Henry County Humane Society.

Ted was born on November 24, 1962, in Davenport, Iowa. The son of Richard and Angela (Bulins) Arkebauer. He married Karen Owen at Jenny Lind Chapel in Andover, IL on December 10, 1988. Ted was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and hardworking man whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ted spent most of his life as a truck driver, a career he truly loved and took immense pride in. He especially cherished his years with Old Dominion Freight Line. Truck driving wasn't simply his profession—it was part of who he was. To those who knew him best, he was affectionately known by his CB handle, "Night Owl".

Starting in high school Ted would help at The Martens Family Farm and also later in life seasonally. He was considered their fifth son. He volunteered on the Orion Ambulance Service for many years, later earning his EMT certification. Contributing his time and dedication to helping others in his community. Ted and Karen owned and operated Arkebauer Lawn Care and Snow Removal for several years.

Outside of work, Ted enjoyed racing AMA flat track motorcycles, and riding his Gold Wing. In his younger years he enjoyed camping with his family. In recent years he discovered a love for grilling and smoking meats, often sharing with those close to him.

Those who knew Ted will remember him as a hardworking, devoted, and steady presence. He was someone who valued family deeply and took pride in doing things the right way otherwise known as “Ted’s Way”.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of Orion, IL; daughters, Karla (Brandon) Harris of Harrisonville, MO, Emily Arkebauer of Geneseo, IL; granddaughters, Leah “Mia” Harris of Harrisonville, MO, Lexi (Ro) Smith of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tom (Rhonda) Arkebauer of Orion, IL; sister-in-law, Cindy Arkebauer of Ocala, FL; sisters-in-law and (spouses) Beckie Phillips of Hamilton, GA, Jeanette (John) Tornquist of Bloomington, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Angela; in-laws, Clayton and Marge Davis; brother, Tim; and brother-and sister-in-law, Gary and Sharon Koester.

A special thank you to Ted’s team of doctors and staff who went above and beyond to ensure his comfort throughout his health journey. Along with the staff at UnityPoint Hospice, the nurse’s patience and dedication to the family was very much appreciated.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.