Chris M. Arps
June 23, 1938 – October 15, 2024
Chris Marvis Arps was born on June 23, 1938, to Chris V. Arps and Edith Semrad Arps in North Bend, Nebraska. As a toddler, his family moved to Wyoming for a short time so that his father could follow a work opportunity with his brother, but they returned to North Bend before the birth of his younger sister Evie.
Life on the farm in North Bend was demanding for his family. At age six Chris’ life was forever changed when he and his family were involved in a tragic car accident that took the life of his 3-year-old sister, and left his parents critically injured. It was a long recovery for his parents, and Chris was cared for by his aunt and uncle for a few months.
After the family started to heal, they purchased a stand up piano and gave Chris piano lessons. But what “Chrissie” really wanted was to play the accordion like his grandfather. He quickly became talented at both instruments and by age 12 he performed with his accordion on a TV show hosted by Johnny Carson. He also was in an accordion band and by 16 was giving accordion lessons to other students. Although still in high school, he also became skilled enough on the piano to start playing jazz gigs in the evenings with multiple bands at nightclubs.
After graduation, he started college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he studied music and was in a fraternity. He finished his studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and graduated with a bachelor of fine arts.
In his early twenties he was married, and in 1959 his son, Chris was born. About 11 months later his daughter, Kathy came along. In those days, Chris worked as a telephone lineman at Western Electric, and after that, he sold, tuned, and delivered pianos at Crichetts in Omaha.
Chris continued to play the piano at clubs like the Leopard Lounge at the Towers Hotel in Omaha and even played in Vegas with musicians such as Robert Goulet.
Along the way he met the love of his life, Patty Lombardo, “a little Italian girl”, who auditioned to sing with his band. The two had instant chemistry and were married in 1964. Soon after, he decided to go back to school and earn his law degree. When he wasn’t studying, his musical talents helped to pay his way. In 1969 he graduated from Creighton University, in Omaha, Nebraska.
After passing the bar, Chris went on to serve as Assistant County Attorney in Sarpy County for 12 years. He tried many cases and had three that went all the way to the supreme court. Many knew him as “tough” and good at his job. Later he worked in private practice and partnered with associates in Papillion and Ralston.
Outside of the courtroom, Chris was a man of few words. When he did speak, you could be sure you would hear some quick, sarcastic humor and a low chuckle. As he grew older, he became softer, more understanding, and compassionate, and he liked to share stories from his life.
Chris was a curious and intelligent man. If he wanted to know something, he read and researched until he became very knowledgeable about the subject. He was a self-taught photographer and equipped his own dark room in his home. He was often found behind his camera, quietly photographing moments that eventually became beautiful family keepsakes. He especially loved to photograph his granddaughter, Amanda, who was a great pride in his life.
Chris also loved his time hunting and fishing. He loved traveling, particularly to Wyoming and Colorado where he was surrounded by lakes and mountains. But he and Patty made lasting memories together during their trip to Hawaii and had always hoped to return there one day.
In 2018, when Patty passed, Chris said, ‘There is a new star in the sky.’ We like to think he has now joined her, both stars shining brightly together in peace.
Chris died on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in Papillion, Nebraska at the age of 86.
He was preceded in death by wife, Patricia Lombardo Arps; daughter, Kathleen Maceda and survived by son, Chris Arps (Tanya); granddaughter, Amanda Maceda; brother, Leon Arps (Marsha); sister, Betty Jo Arps Murphy (Donald); and many other relatives and friends.
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2pm at Hillcrest Grand Lodge, 6021 Grand Lodge Ave. in Papillion, NE 68133.
Memorials are suggested to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 11360 S. 60th St. in Papillion.
12 Comments
Sending prayers for peace and comfort for Leon and the entire Arps family as they mourn his passing.
Mike Maulick
Surprise, AZ
Our condolences to the Arps family
Rest in Paradise, Chris. Prayers and condolences to family and friends.
WHAT A WONDERFUL REUNION I’M SURE YOU’RE HAVING WITH ALL OF OUR FOLKS. RIP*
What a beautiful obituary. What an interesting man. I’m very sorry for your loss Leon and family. It sounds like you were blessed to have had him.
May the sorrow you feel be softened by beautiful memories.
Kathy
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Chris. All our prayers of comfort and peace to the whole family. I appreciate knowing Chris personally, and professionally.
Learned a lot from Chris. He always had time to answer any questions I had about a case. One of the most common answers were, “Well, what do the Red Books say?”
I was so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. I worked with him and Patty at the Sarpy County Attorney’s office for 6 years. He was always willing to answer any questions I had.. He was a man of many talents! Our thoughts and prayers to the family!
Chris was a significant influence during my time as a new attorney. I will remember him fondly.
I practiced law with Chris for over 17 years, He really was generous with his time to his fellow attorneys. He will be missed.
Solid, honest, caring trial lawyer.
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