Emil S. Arvidson

Emil Sture Arvidson lived life with a smile on his face. He loved the good times spent with his many friends and family. He was a kind soul, forever proud of his Swedish heritage.

Emil was born on September 30, 1933, and sadly, passed away at the age of 87 on Friday, January 8th, from complications of COVID-19.

Emil spent much of his adult life as a resident of the eastern suburbs of Cleveland. He was the son of Hilma and Sture Arvidsson, brother of Betty (Bob) Kuederle, and identical twin brother of Eric Olaf (Maria) Arvidson, all deceased.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Betty, Cheryl, and Carole Jean (C.J.). He was the devoted father of Penny Arvidson of Kingsport, TN, Pamela (Jim) Hooley of Boulder, CO; stepfather of Kim (Mark) Sample; grandfather of Carolyn Green, Cameron Richards, Ian Hooley, Dylan Hooley and Rose Hooley, step-grandfather of Matthew Sample, Gwen Cromer and Tim Sample. He was also a loving uncle of Pat Dietrich, Paula Murphy, Bill Kuederle, Bob Kuederle, and cousin to many in Sweden.

Emil graduated from the former Willoughby Union High School in 1951. After graduation, Emil and Eric set out on a Tom Sawyer-like excursion. In their senior year, they constructed their own houseboat. When school was over, the brothers hauled the craft south to the Ohio River and set sail. During their epic journey heading toward the Mississippi, they stopped at river towns along the way, making new friends, and enjoying new experiences. Before reaching the Mississippi, they got word that they had received their draft papers so they had to suspend the rest of their trip and return home.

Emil and Eric loved to do so many things together—even being drafted and serving in Germany together. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in post-war Germany where he was assigned to a facility that performed the specialized repair of all types of optical devices including binoculars and bomb sights.

His professional career as a tool and die maker and mechanical engineer included work at the former Thompson Ramo Wooldridge (TRW) and Lucas Machines Companies.

Emil was a 32° Mason, a 36-year member of Al Koran Shrine, a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and 38-year member of the Vasa Order of America Swedish fraternal lodges Nobel-Monitor #130 of Cleveland and Thule Lodge #127 in Jamestown, NY.

He maintained strong ties to the Swedish/American community enjoying the many social events and traditions of the Swedish culture. Emil loved to travel occasionally to his parents’ homeland of Sweden, annually to Florida and his summer home on Lake Chautauqua in Maple Springs, NY, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, entertaining friends and family, and a good martini.

Emil’s good nature, kindness, and quick wit endeared him to all who knew him leaving his family and friends with many wonderful memories of good times together.

Due to the current state of the COVID pandemic, a memorial service will held be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.