Obituary of Urs Von Arx

Urs Von Arx passed away peacefully at home in Lake Havasu after fighting a long, hard battle with cancer. Family, friends and Urs's doctors were all inspired by the 67 year old's warrior-like spirit and determination to try and overcome his illness. As everyone close to him knew, Urs was never one to back down from a challenge. He fought valiantly up until the very end. The Lord called him home on August 3, 2013 Urs was born on February 18, 1946 to Otto Von Arx and Ida Paula Von Arx-Schraner in Niedererlinsbach, Switzerland. He was the second oldest of five children. Upon completing trade school for carpentry, Urs left Switzerland at the age of 19 and came over to the United States on December 28, 1965. He had distant relatives from the Von Arx family in the southeastern part of Minnesota whom he came into contact with and ended up settling down nearby. He met his wife, Mary Margaret Sullivan, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They were married on July 26, 1975 in Brownsville, Minnesota and lived in the area with their 3 daughters until the summer of 1984. Due to a recession in the Midwest, Urs decided to move the family up to Eagle River, AK. With their 2 vehicles and a trailer loaded down with most of their possessions, the family embarked on an adventurous road trip that included lots of bologna sandwiches, breath-taking scenery and a memorable drive along the Al-Can Highway. The move was temporary and only lasted about one month. After hearing about a job opportunity out in AZ, Urs moved the family to Lake Havasu where he and Mary have been residents for the past 29 years. Urs was a talented, self-employed carpenter who enjoyed working with his hands. He was a perfectionist and held high standards for himself which was apparent through his work. Urs was a member of the Elks and Eagles organizations. He loved watching Westerns, horse races and NASCAR, and he loved listening to Johnny Cash. Urs was an avid horseman and had owned several horses while living back in the Midwest. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time at their cabin in Prescott, AZ. Urs was always friendly to whomever he crossed paths with, and he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Urs loved to have a good time and loved a good party. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him! Urs is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Von Arx, daughters Ursula (Nathan) Hanna of Prescott Valley, AZ, Heidi (George) Matsakis of Lawrence, KS, and Dana Von Arx of Tillamook, OR as well as his four grandchildren Triniti, Tristan, Lexie and Noah. He is also survived by his brother, Otto (Nelly) Von Arx, sisters Theres (Hans Peter) Schlinger, Ida (Ruedi) Matti and Yvonne (Gisep) Carpanetti all living in Switzerland. A mass is planned for Urs at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Hokah, Minnesota on August 31st at 10:30 a.m. with the burial taking place at St. Joseph's Convent Cemetery. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date in Lake Havasu. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Havasu and the American Cancer Society's Lodging program. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.