Arlin Duelm

Arlin Wilbert Duelm

Some people are remembered for what they accomplished. Others are remembered for how they made people feel. Arlin Wilbert Duelm belonged to the latter. With an unforgettable smile, an infectious laugh, and a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, Arlin spent his life leaving people better than he found them. He did this as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, neighbor, and friend. Surrounded by the love of his family, Arlin passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 87.

Arlin was born on February 19, 1939, to Arthur and Doretta (Dora) Bertels Duelm on their farm near Dorsey, Illinois. His earliest years were shaped by life on that farm and later in Bunker Hill, where faith, family, hard work, and helping neighbors were simply a way of life. Those humble beginnings instilled values that remained at the heart of everything he did.  Because he loved learning, teaching became a natural calling. He earned his degree in mathematics education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1962 and later completed his master's degree at Saint Louis University. He began his career in White Hall before joining Mt. Olive High School in 1965, where he taught mathematics and later computer science until his retirement in 1995. For over thirty years, thousands of students walked into Mr. Duelm's classroom to learn algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, but they left with far more than mathematical knowledge. He believed every student could succeed if someone first believed in them.

Former students remember his enthusiasm, his booming voice echoing through the hallways, his ever-present smile, and, of course, his famous invisible Big #1, his unforgettable reminder to always find the greatest common factor. Wearing Mt. Olive's school colors – bright gold pants paired with a purple shirt – he proudly celebrated the school and community he loved. Teaching was never just his profession; it was his calling.

On August 6, 1960, Arlin married the love of his life, Joyce Pape. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith, partnership, and service that spanned nearly sixty-six years. Whether tending their garden and canning the vegetables they raised, playing thousands of games of cards together and with friends, taking road trips around the country, or simply spending time with family, they found joy in life's everyday moments. Together they led the youth group at Immanuel Lutheran Church for twenty-seven years, mentoring generations of young people and sharing a faith that was lived through kindness, compassion, and example. Their shared commitment to education and community continues through the Arlin and Joyce Duelm Scholarship, established to encourage future generations of students to pursue excellence in education, service, and leadership.

Arlin never met a stranger. He genuinely appreciated people and had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued. Friends often said he could light up a room. His joyful personality, easygoing demeanor, and sincere interest in others drew people to him wherever he went. Whether at the store, the bank, or the post office, he often stayed after his errands were finished because he enjoyed visiting with people. Arlin attended high school activities long after retirement to encourage students and celebrate their successes. He delighted in creating personalized birthday and holiday cards on his computer, ensuring family, friends, and neighbors knew they were remembered. He believed that every person deserved to know they mattered.

Although Arlin served his church, school, and community in countless ways, those who know him best understand that his greatest accomplishments could never be measured by positions held or honors received. His legacy lives in the students he encouraged, the young people whose faith he nurtured, the friendships he cultivated, and the family he loved so deeply. His kindness, generosity, and humor made the world brighter and enriched the lives of those who knew him.  Arlin is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; his sons, Brian (Julie) Duelm and Brent (Laura) Duelm; his grandchildren, Evelyn Duelm (partner Tia Spiller), Brock Duelm (partner Gina Wadas), Jessica Duelm, and Jonathan Duelm; his great-granddaughter Eleanor Duelm; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Edwin, Delmar, and Elden; his brother-in-law, Elmer Pape; and his grandson Tyler Duelm.

Though his classroom is quiet now, the lessons Arlin taught continue every day in the lives of his family, in the generations of students he inspired, and in the countless people who learned from his example that the greatest measure of a life is not found in what we achieve or own, but in how deeply we love, how generously we serve, and how faithfully we encourage others.

Visitation will take place at Becker & Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive, IL on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. The service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive. There will be an hour of visitation at the church before the service. A luncheon will take place immediately after the service in the adjoining Immanuel Education Building. After lunch, interment will take place at Prairietown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Mt. Olive Academic Foundation.

Becker & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so at beckerandson.com.