On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, Ingemund Lars Arriola, father of 3 children, passed away at the age of 59.
Lars was born on February 2, 1963 in Scottsdale, AZ to Fernando and Sonjha Arriola. He attended Scottsdale High School, and was a strong advocate for keeping the school open as a member of the student advisory board. He went to Georgetown University and studied Economics and Foreign Relations, and then earned his Master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. On July 25, 1992, he married Geraldine Arriola. They raised two sons, Peter and Evan, and a daughter, Gabriela.
Lars was a very devout Catholic and an incredible servant. He enjoyed helping out at his church in a variety of ways, as well as devoted a majority of his professional career as a grant administrator with the Society of St Vincent de Paul, where he worked for 20 years. He enjoyed investing time into his children, whether that be going to Peter’s orchestra and choir concerts, Evan’s soccer games, or Gabriela’s musicals.
Lars was preceded in death by his mother, Sonjha, and his wife, Geraldine. His is survived by his three children, Peter, Evan, and Gabriela, his father, Fernando, his brother, Fernando, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.
A vigil service will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. from 5-7pm. A Funeral Mass in honor of Lars Arriola’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd. at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations for the children’s transitional needs and education can be donated on FreeFunder.com (search “Arriola Family Funding”).
Anthony Pescatore, KM
I am so sorry to hear of Lars passing. I was privileged to serve and to spend time with both him and Gabriela in Lourdes.
I will be keeping Gabriela and the entire family in my prayers
Margaret Licosati
I have known Lars for many years through our association with St. Theresa Parish, as well as the time I spent with him preparing Gabriela, his dear daughter, for the pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lars was a man of intelligence, integrity and great faith. His presence will be greatly missed.
Harry Plummer
Lars was a gentle giant of a man. He was humble and deeply dedicated to his family. He was a role model for me, especially in holy perseverance. I am so sorry to learn of his passing and look forward to seeing him again in heaven. Be assured of my prayers for him and his family.
Mary Beth Hearn
Lars was my parking lot prayer buddy throughout the years. He will be missed by many. I will pray for the children.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
walter metrick
Lars certainly showed how all Catholic men are supposed to live.
A total devotion to Christ and the Church with no regard for “the self.”
Regardless of the circumstances of life, Lars would just smile and say ,”Praise God!”
May all of us be blessed with 1/2 the amount of faith and love he had.
Lars you will be missed. I will cherish those Saturday morning Bible studies we had with the guys forever.
Carol Livingston
Gabriela, I just now heard about your father at my Malta retreat. Shea and I were so enriched knowing you and your father in Lourdes. We constantly talk about you with such wonderful memories.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers forever. Hopefully we can see you soon.