J Arlt

J Arlt, 50, of Aberdeen, SD, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at his home in Aberdeen.

J Arlt was born on July 13, 1974, to Roger and Bonnie (Piper) Arlt in Aberdeen, SD. He grew up and attended school in Aberdeen, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School in 1992. During school he worked at Rollaway USA and Wal-Mart. After high school, J joined the United States Army and did his basic training in Fort Benning, GA. He was then stationed at Fort Wainwright, AK. After returning from active duty in 1997 he joined the 452nd Army Reserves in Aberdeen until 2003. In spring of 2005 he graduated from NSU with a BS in General Business.

On August 9, 1993, J married Nicole Brinkman in Fairbanks, AK. Together they adopted Logan in 2002 in Aberdeen. Later, in 2008, Jden was born to Heidi Fischer and J Arlt. J worked as a banker most of his life. He worked at First State Bank of Warner, Plains Commerce Bank, and AFCU. He also was involved in many entrepreneurial endeavors including: Rich’s DJ Service, Pretzel Maker, 605 Vending, 605 Ventures, and Smiles of Joy.

J loved his community and served it to the fullest. He was regularly active in many different organizations. He was in 4H as a youngster. He volunteered at Centennial Village as a gun fighter and Waldo for many years. He was a volunteer EMT in Fairbanks, AK from 1995-1997 and volunteer police reserves in Aberdeen from 2004-2013. He was a foster parent for two years and also volunteered at SkateAway. He found joy dressing up as Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman on skates to entertain people. He helped at the BMX track and at Aberdeen Wings Games. He was honored to be the Adjutant for the DAV. He helped at New Hope Fellowship and was on the Step-up Ministries board.

J had a passion for photography, remote control airplanes, and ham radio. He also enjoyed collecting unique vehicles. He was stubborn at times but always very humble, loving, and compassionate.

Grateful for having shared J’s life are his children, Logan and Jden Arlt; mother, Bonnie Arlt, sisters, Tracy (Scott) Gravning and Michelle Kelly; nieces and nephews, Mariah (Josiah) Hart, Chase (Megan) Anderson, Sydney Pahl, Landon Pahl, and Madison Pahl, and other children of the heart: Jessalyn ‘LJ’, Anya, Katie, Sam ‘Bob’, Tyler, Erica, Josh, Nicole, Chelsea, and 8 foster children.

Preceding J in death are his father, Roger Arlt; and niece, Jasmine Anderson.

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