Arne Oja

Born in Tallinn, Estonia on December 28, 1929
Departed on June 26, 2005. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

Arne Oja, 75, a long-time resident of Cedar Rapids passed away Sunday, June 26th, at Living Center East, Cedar Rapids, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Services will be Wed. July 6th, 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church where there will also be military rites. Rev. Daniel Kolander will officiate. Inurnment at Cedar Memorial Mausoleum Columbarium. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Funeral Home from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, July 5th.

Survivors include his sons, Matt Oja and his wife Gail of North Carolina; and Kurt Oja and his wife Janet of Cedar Rapids; and four grandchildren, Brad Oja and Derek Oja of Cedar Rapids; and Rachel Oja and Cameron Oja of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aary, by his sister, Karin Pour, and parents, Oskar and Margrete Oja.

Arne was born in Tallinn, Estonia on December 28, 1929. He lived there under Russian and German occupations, and was conscripted into the German air force when he was 14. After World War II ended, he spent three years in displaced persons camps where he met his childhood friend who had also fled Estonia, Aary. They married on May 29, 1954 after immigrating with the assistance of the Lutheran Church.

Arne and Aary moved to Cedar Rapids in 1956. He started his own lighting manufacturer's agency in 1956 that continued for 38 successful years. He was a top salesman for several of the manufacturers he represented, winning top awards and numerous trips to Florida, Spain, and Hawaii. Prior to a stroke that he suffered in 1980, Arne enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing tennis and fishing.

His family would like to extend extra thanks to Village Ridge of Marion, Mercy Medical Center, Hospice of Mercy and Living Center East for providing care and comfort for Arne in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society in Arne's name. Please leave a message or tribute to the Oja family on our web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

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