Arthur Charles (“Sonny”) Arch
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Arthur Charles (“Sonny”) Arch left this world to be with our Lord and Savior on April 25, 2023 at the age of 87. He was born on June 16, 1935 in Flint, Michigan to his loving parents Arthur and Gladys Arch and was raised in the Grand Blanc area with his late sister, Brenda (Arch) Gray. He graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1953 and attended the University of Michigan School of Banking. Arthur began his financial career working with Beneficial Finance in Flint, Mich. (1958-1962). He married the love of his life, Rita (Conran) on April 23, 1960. Arthur worked as a banker in Escanaba, Mich. (1962-1969), Mauston, Wis. (1969-1972) and Peshtigo, Wis. (1972-1991). He returned to the State Bank of Escanaba in 1991 as the president/CEO until he retired in 2000 after a long and successful career of 42 years. During his career, Arthur was active in community affairs as a member of the Lions Club, the Elks, the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Escanaba, the Escanaba Exchange Club, and Delta United Services. Arthur and his wife, Rita, moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2014 to be closer to their family where he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Arthur was a devoted and loving man to all his family and friends. He was well known for his integrity, ethics, and fairness in business. He was a strong, kind, and caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, who mentored and cared for his entire family and those he loved throughout his life. He was always available to help a friend with his generous spirit. He loved being at his cabin on Lake Michigan, working in the woods, riding his lawn mower, sitting by a crackling fire, and spending time with his family, friends, and beloved dog, Chena. His loyalty, sense of humor, wit, handsome smile, and charming personality were characteristics that were cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Arthur is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rita (Conran); their four children, Lisa Rocheleau (Pat), Lori Hartwig (Tom), Michael Arch (Kimberly) and Timothy Arch (Teresa); 11 grandchildren, Travis Rocheleau (Jessica), Ryan Hartwig (Kimberly), Kristine Hartwig (Nick), Mitchell Rocheleau (Alexandra), Chad Rocheleau (Melissa), Christian Arch, Kaitlyn Arch, Delaney Arch, Macy Arch, Dylan Arch, and Austin Arch; four great-grandchildren (Vincent Hartwig, Brooks Hartwig, Finn Rocheleau and Josie Hartwig) and many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 9, at 10 a.m. (family), 11 a.m. (friends) followed by a service at 12 p.m. officiated by Pastor Jon Gildner at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, MI. Burial will be at 1 p.m. at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, 2020 E. Hill Rd., Grand Blanc. Lunch will follow at 2 p.m. at the Flint Central Church of the Nazarene, 1261 Bristol Rd., Flint. To share words of comfort with the family, please visit www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com