In memory of

Jesus Arlaban

July 7, 1953 - May 6, 2025
From: Sac City, IA
Jesus Arlaban

Jesus Arlaban

Born: July 7, 1953
Died: May 6, 2025
Age: 71
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   Jesus F. Arlaban aged 71 of Sac City passed away on May 6, 2025 after fighting pancreatic cancer for 24 months. Jesus Fermin was born July 7, 1953 in Pamplona, Spain to Dr. Benito Jesus Arlaban and Josefina Martinez Corral. As a child, Jesus believed that the Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona (i.e. Running of the Bulls which starts on July 7) was celebrated for his birthday. His baptism and first communion were held at San Francisco Javier Church in Pamplona.
  Growing up, Jesus liked playing soccer, reading mysteries, and traveling with his family. He attended the Catholic schools of Santo Angel and Colegio Santa María la Real in Pamplona. He attended the University of Pamplona for a year before transferring to and graduating from the University of Zaragoza with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the Spanish Army in Madrid from April 1980 until he was discharged in June 1981. Later, Jesus coached boys’ and girls’ team handball at the high school level and tutored college and university students in science, math, and economics.
   Jesus met Tammy, his future wife, in the summer of 1987 when they both happened to be studying in Madrid. They were married June 24, 1989, at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Jesus was destined to be a “girl dad.” Kimberley, their biological daughter, was born while they lived in Pamplona. After moving to Sac City in 1993, Jesus and Tammy hosted seven exchange daughters: Doyoun (South Korea), Eva (Germany), Karoline (Norway), Charlotte (Germany), Eline (Norway), Wilma (Sweden), and Camillia (Italy). Silje (Norway) and Martina (Italy) would have stayed with the Arlaban-Vines, if not for COVID. Returning in 2023, Cami is attending ISU.
   Jesus joined the staff at Marjo floral and Greenhouse in 2001. Although working as a plant guru and flower whisperer was nothing like his studies in mechanical engineering, Jesus enjoyed using his mathematical skills at the greenhouse, filling delivery trailers with as many plants as possible. He continued working his magic with plants as ownership passed from Brian and Amy Dreith to David and Michaela Engel and then Chuck and Abby Glass. He also practiced this skill every year packing suitcases to travel to Spain or helping the exchange daughters get their possessions back home.
   In June 2023, Jesus was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. After months of chemo, radiation, and more chemo, Jesus and Tammy went to Spain for a month to visit his three siblings and many Arlaban and Martinez cousins. Throughout Jesus kept working at Phocas Gardens; helping decide plants for the next season, correcting the spacing of the growing trays, and giving advice about plant management.
   Jesus was an avid fan of fútbol (known in the U.S. as soccer) especially Osasuna, his hometown team, and Real Madrid. He spent many weekends watching European soccer matches and balonmano (team handball, a sport like water polo but played on a court) via the Internet. Other favorites were three-week bicycle races like the Tour de France, the Giro de Italia, and the Vuelta in Spain. He liked to travel and read.
   Jesus is survived by his wife, Tammy Vine, biological daughter, Kimberley Arlaban (Chris Ritenour) and their seven exchange daughters. In the States, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Shirley Vine, and brother-in-law, Craig Vine. In Spain, he leaves behind three siblings: Luis Mari (Esther Carpintero), Jose Javier (Vanessa Martinez), and Maria del Carmen; nieces Maite (Juan Pascual Gutierrez-Solana) and Leire (Pablo Monti); one grandniece, Lara; and many
cousins in and around Pamplona. His parents, Benito Arlaban and Josefina Corral, and his father-in-law, Jon Vine, preceded him in death.
   IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please consider a monetary gift as the family plans to donate to the memorial garden at the Sac City Museum, the cancer center at St. Anthony's, and other organizations in Jesus' memory. 
 
Tribute Video
SERVICES
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial
1:30 p.m., Friday
May 16, 2025
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Sac City, Iowa

*Service will be live streamed on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FarberOttemanFuneralHomes

*Celebration of Life and burial will be on May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hauge Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Father Joe Dillinger
Father Brian Feller
VISITATION
5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday
May 15, 2025
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Hauge Lutheran Cemetery
Decorah, Iowa

Condolences

Friday, May 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
“So sorry to hear about your loss keep everyone in my thoughts during this time. Much love Andrea ”
- Andrea LaMarre
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 2:08 PM
“On behalf of the colleagues of the First Class of the School of Engineering in Zaragoza, Spain, and on my own behalf, we wish to express our sorrow for the passing of our colleague Jesus, and offer our deepest condolences to Tammy, Kimberley, and the rest of the family. Jesus was, is, and always will be a member of the aforementioned and unrepeatable First Class. May our dear Jesus rest in peace.”
- Luis Mongee
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:07 PM
“So sorry for your loss. Sending loves and prayers to you Tammy and Kim.”
- Sarah Simpson
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:07 PM
“Tammy, Kim and family, I enjoyed working with Jesus so much! He was such a kind man with a lot of knowledge about many subjects. I had the pleasure of working with him for several years through the greenhouse and having him do some interpreting. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed by many. You have my sympathy.”
- Sandi Huster
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 2:21 PM
“Tammy and Kim, our hearts are heavy as you go through this difficult loss. May the love of family and friends sustain and comfort you both. Jesus was a wonderful person and he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Love and prayers to you both as well as your family.”
- Cathy & Cliff Frohardt
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:07 AM
“My deepest and heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Jesus. I worked with him at the green house & knowledge and love of plants always amazed me! Also, what a great story teller he was. Continued prayers for you all.”
- Lori Tegels
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:07 AM
“Jesus was the best at the Garden center, he knew exactly what you said you were looking for and how to take care of it. My sincere sympathy to the family.”
- Marlene Glasnapp
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:07 AM
“Tammy & Kimberley, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jesus and thinking about you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed talking to Jesus and hearing his strong opinions on soccer. He will be missed and we are sorry for your loss. With love, Andy, Marnie, Marit, & Daphne ”
- Andy Carlson
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:07 AM
“What a wonderful life Jesus led till he was called home. May all the great memories you shared comfort all of you at this very difficult time. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers. ”
- Cindy Williams
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:10 PM
“Tammy, Kim & family, My heartfelt sympathy to you. May your memories & love from family & friends get you through this difficult time. Hugs 🙏 ❤️ ”
- Margaret Mooney
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
“Tammy and Kim, John and I am so very sorry for your loss. Jesus was always such a kind and gentle man. Prayers for peace and comfort.”
- Marj Bensley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
“So very sorry for your loss. May your memories sustain you.”
- Susan Schnirring
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