Arthur J. Rios 1971-2009

RIOS, WALVATNE, SIGAFOOS, FRANZEN

Posted By: Nancy (email)
Date: 10/5/2009 at 18:12:21

Funeral services for Arthur J. Rios, 38, of West Union, Iowa, were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural West Union. The Rev. Marshall Nessa officiated.

Music was provided by pianist Nick Schadler and vocalists Phillip Solheim and Charlie Eaton.

Casket bearers were Jake Huinker, Graig Bemiss, Dave Neumann, Jeff Tope, Jason Hackman, John Campo and Andy Ciszewski. Honorary casket bearers were Carlos Rios, Alphonso Rios, Danny Rios, Ryan Hoey and Dan Eaton.

Arrangements were handled by Burnham-Wood Funeral Home, West Union.

Art's death occurred on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, near West Union from injuries sustained in an ATV accident.

Arthur John Rios, son of Carlos Rios Sr. and Judy (Walvatne) Sigafoos, was born Aug. 16, 1971, in Des Moines.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in Des Moines, he moved to the state of Washington.

Art moved to West Union in 1991 and worked at Bostrom's SuperValu until 1993, when he began working for Imperial Roof Systems. He enjoyed traveling nationwide for 16 years with the company, but had recently changed positions to allow him to be home with his wife and family.

On March 8, 2008, Art was united in marriage with Tina Franzen in West Union, merging his life with hers and her three daughters.

Art was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and enjoyed their functions and attending men's retreats.

During his life, Art enjoyed NASCAR races, riding his Harley and 4-wheeler, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, traveling with his wife, hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

One of Art's proudest moments was on May 14, 2002, when he completed the 72-oz. Big Texan Steak Challenge in Amarillo, Texas, eating his entire steak, potato, salad, drink and dinner roll in 59 minutes. "Not good for a diet!" he said.

Art's biggest enjoyment was making everyone who was around him smile and laugh.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carlos Rios Sr.; his grandparents; and his uncle Norris Walvatne, who was Art's role model and who helped raise him after his father's death.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Tina, of West Union; his daughter, Destiny, of West Union; three stepdaughters, Kailee of Dubuque, Chesnee and Kacee of West Union; his mother and father, Judy and Jim Sigafoos of West Union; three brothers, Alphonso "Pooky" (Tammy) Rios of Postville, Carlos (Monica) Rios and Danny (Augi) Rios, all of California; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A memorial fund has been established in Art's name.

Fayette County Union - October 1, 2009