Arvilla Shepler

Arvilla was born in a farm house in Barnes County, North Dakota, on November 26, 1925, to William and Emily Pytlik.  Her siblings included Lawrence Pytlik, Alvin Pytlik, Elmer Vogel, Shirley Vogel and Orville Vogel.  Arvilla’s father died when she was an infant.  Her mother Emily then married Herman Vogel.  Herman Vogel loved her and helped raise her as he would his own daughter.  Arvilla attended a one room school house and graduated from Valley City High School. She met her future husband, Eugene Shepler, where she was impressed by his deep base singing voice in a quartet performance. Eugene joined the navy during World War II. Arvilla took a train in 1943 to California and married him during one of his ship repair dockings.  They were married at Mare Island Shipyard Chapel at San Francisco Bay.

After the war, Eugene worked on the railroad and quickly worked into a locomotive engineer position. Over the next 20 years, Arvilla and Eugene had eight children. Those children produced 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Her family is spread across the United States.

She enjoyed babies and children her entire life. Talking about all her family, looking at their pictures and enjoying their visits gave her great joy and the will to live through all adversity.  She worked in retail clothing as a very young lady and again later after her husband Eugene died.  She also did secretarial and office work at elementary schools in Jamestown. This work brought her much happiness since there were little children around all day long.  She joined a bridge club and played for over 20 years, strong friendships were formed with fellow bridge club member.  Arvilla also participated in the St. James Church Circle, again forming friendships with other members.

Arvilla left this world to be with God and next to her husband Eugene on May 20, 2024. She passed at Eventide Nursing Home in Fargo, North Dakota, with family at her side and nearby.

Arvilla was preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings, her husband Eugene and her son John. She is survived by daughters Renae Shepler and Susan Shepler and by sons Neil Shepler, Mark Shepler, Joseph Shepler, Richard Shepler and Robert Shepler. She is also survived by grandchildren Samantha Nyland, Nicole Shepler, Megan Moore, Charlotte Lichtenheld, Zoey Lichtenheld, Emily Lichtenheld, Michael Shepler, Elizabeth Haynes, Benjamin Shepler, Stephen Shepler, Derek Shepler and Robert Shepler, Jr.  Surviving great grandchildren are Josephine, Oliver, Finn, Imogene, William, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Walker, Weston, Loelle and Kira.

Mass of Christian Burial - 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm, celebrant.

Vitiation - One hour before the service at the church.

Burial - Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown.