Arlen Rochat

Arlen Lewis Rochat, 64, went to his heavenly home November 23, 2019 as a result of an auto accident. Arlen was born on February 18, 1955 in Wichita, Kansas to Glen and Louise (Doty) Rochat who preceded him in death. He has 2 siblings; one older sister, Glenda (Rochat) Elliott married to Paul Elliot and one younger twin brother Alan Rochat.  Arlen grew up in Andover Kansas, where he loved to play all kinds of sports including baseball, football, basketball and track. He also enjoyed scouting and became an Eagle Scout through Troop 533.

Arlen graduated from Andover High School in 1973 and then joined a low 1A baseball team playing left field and 3rd base. During that time, he played baseball seven days a week and traveled by bus all across the Midwest.

After a couple of years playing baseball, Arlen went to work at Wichita State Bank. During that time, he earned an Associates degree in computer programming from ECPI University. Upon graduating in 1978, Arlen began his business career at First National Bank and continued to work in programming and accounting until 1989 at which time he started working at Koch Industries in the shipping department. By 2002 he had worked up to be the Assistant to the VP of Operations in the engineering branch of Koch. Later that same year Arlen was laid off from his job of thirteen years. At the time, what seemed to be a devastating lay-off was actually disguised as a blessing. Arlen was able to start his own business, Arlen’s Home Improvement. From the beginning it was apparent Arlen had a knack for fixing anything. He continued with this business until the time of his death.

Outside of his career, Arlen was involved in sports, playing competitive baseball and volleyball in his younger years. He also loved water and snow skiing and organizing trips so others could enjoy the same activities that he loved.

Arlen was a member of Central Christian Church where he made many lasting friendships and served as a deacon for several years. It was at the Central Christian Singles group that he met Janet Elbrader whom he married on November 3rd, 1990. They were married 29 years and had three children Scott, 27, who lives in Derby, Kansas, Katelyn, 25, who lives in Omaha, Nebraska, and Matthew, 23, who lives in Andover, Kansas.

As their children were growing up, his family was his life. Continuing his love of sports, Arlen coached the majority of the sports teams his kid’s played on including baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. He also continued to be active in Boy Scouts of America as his sons were following in his footsteps on the path to becoming an Eagle Scout.

Arlen will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his good-natured spirit and having a smile on his face. And if you were to ask Arlen what he enjoyed the most, he would say the time he spent coaching his kids and time spent with family and friends.