Arlie Duane Persell

……and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria……and in Blue Rapids, Bern, Oneida, Topeka…….and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

Arlie Duane Persell, 83, began his life in Topeka Kansas on November 1, 1931 and flew on angel wings to be with his Lord and Savior on July 7, 2015. He lived his life to the fullest everyday with unconditional love and compassion for his fellow man……he never knew a stranger.

Born to Ora Floyd and Athelia Doreen Persell, his roots came from the soil as Ora worked for Sachs greenhouses here in Topeka. Ora started his own greenhouse and floral shop in Blue Rapids in the early 1940s. Arlie continued that family occupation, growing the greenhouse into one of the larger ones in the state, adding a second flower shop in Marysville, landscaping design, and trucking route.

Arlie married (Ruth) Natalie Jenkins on March 9, 1952 and from that union came three children: Melinda Merrill, Danny (Diana) Persell and Andy (Sherie) Persell. Natalie died from cancer in 1988. Arlie then married Patti Hulteen on May 21, 1989 and his family, that he treasured with all of his heart, instantly grew by two more: Mike (Kelley) Hulteen and Cindy Hulteen-Ross.

Life often brings change and Arlie found himself driving a truck for JMJ Enterprises over the next six years. Driving a truck gave Arlie hours of windshield time which he filled listening to Christian radio. The tug on his heart (that had already been there for 30+ years) was answered as he accepted the call to ministry in 1997. Arlie's first churches were at Bern and Oneida. Arlie and Patti were involved in watching ball games, having coffee at the local hangout and loved all of the wonderful people that he served in those small rural communities.

In 2003-04 Arlie accepted the call and moved back to his and Patti's roots in Topeka to pastor two churches, Kansas Avenue and Otterbein UMC. Even though Arlie was 73 years old at the time, he always approached ministry "outside the box." Arlie was always determined to introduce the love of God to everyone he met and did so in a variety of ways - always asking……"do you have a good church home, if not let me tell you about…….." As Arlie aged he made a choice to drop down to only pastoring one church and chose to stay with Otterbein UMC. The church family joined Arlie with his "out of the box" approach to church, changing their name and direction, becoming NEW HOPE UMC. New Hope, and watching the wonderful people there grow into strong Disciples of Christ, was his ultimate joy in this world. Arlie, never one to live idly in this life, now will not allow us to be idle. As his Father in Heaven asks - Arlie would ask each of you to continue walking in faith, loving each other unconditionally as God and Arlie loves us all.

Arlie's 10 Grandchildren, Missy (Luke) Davies, Maggie (Chad) Davis, JJ (DJ) Clawson, and Dot Merrill (Melinda's children); Patrick (Lauren) Hulteen, Nicole (Parker) Brown (Mike and Kelley's children) and Taylor Ross (Cindy's daughter); JD, Shawn, & Kaitlyn Persell (Andy and Sherie's children) are all declaring they will continue the legacy their grandfather began, each reaching out in their own way to spread the love of God to others.

The next generation of the family tree - 10 great grand kids are already following family tradition. When told "Grandpa Arlie's heart stopped and he has gone to heaven" - one five year old immediately jumped up and hollered….."Wow, he's gone to live with God…..How cool is that?!?!"

You are cordially invited to join us as we will celebrate Arlie's life on Saturday, July 11th at 2:00 PM at New Hope UMC - 2915 SW 8th Avenue in Topeka. We will again gather to share our memories on Sunday July 12th at 10:30 during the regular service at New Hope. Burial will be a private military service at Leavenworth National Cemetery later in the week. There will also be a visitation on Friday evening, July 10th 7 to 9 PM at New Hope. Memorial Contributions can be made to New Hope UMC.

Arlie's challenge will live on! As he reminded us every Sunday……"Pastor Arlie and God love you and