Arlo Dean Janssen, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired), received his permanent change of station orders and was promoted into the world beyond on April 29, 2026, at the age of 95.

He was born March 12, 1931, in Breckinridge, Oklahoma, to Herbert Harmon and Edna Anne (Helberg) Janssen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four younger siblings, Ivona Janssen, Carobelle Carson, Audrey Janssen, and Larry Janssen, as well as his son, Michael David Janssen, in 1971. His older brother, Ivan Janssen, resides in Texas.

During high school, Arlo raised sheep and cattle, earning numerous awards, including “Grand Champion Sheep” at the International Livestock Show in 1947. After graduating from Garber High School in 1949, he attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University), where he earned a degree in Animal Husbandry. While there, he became a respected livestock judge, was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity, and participated in ROTC.

Following graduation, Arlo enlisted in the United States Army as a Signal Corps officer, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned more than two decades. His early assignments included Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; Camp Gordon, Georgia—where he was first introduced to the Masters Golf Tournament—and flight training at Gary Air Force Base in San Marcos, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Alabama (56-3 Red Hats, AHATC 57-4). He later served with the 17th Signal Battalion in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Upon returning to the United States, Arlo earned his master’s degree from Georgia State College. He then served in Vietnam as a CH-47 Chinook pilot, earning designation as a Master Army Aviator. He also attended the General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1972, while stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he contributed to the early development of the “All-Volunteer” Army. His final assignment was at the Pentagon, where he worked on the “Total Force” project. He retired in 1976 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After his military career, Arlo worked for several defense contractors and for the Washington Star. He and his wife, Mary Rose, shared a love of travel and enjoyed cruising to many destinations. An excellent dancer, Arlo was a sought-after partner on the dance floor and was honored with a “White Star” dancer pin during his travels.

In 2015, Arlo and Mary Rose permanently moved from Vienna, Virginia, to the On Top of the World community in Ocala, Florida. There, he remained active in golf, dance classes, and community life, and he regularly attended Helicopter and Signal Corps reunions. He served as President Emeritus of the KOS Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and played a key role in producing the chapter’s award-winning bimonthly newsletter.

Arlo was a longtime, faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Virginia, where he held multiple leadership roles. After relocating to Ocala, he attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Rose; daughter Denise (Leendert); sons Steven (Patricia) and Kevin Dean; grandchildren David, Jennifer, Mark, Kathryn, Justin, and Lauren; and four great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ocala, Florida, on May 16 at 11:00 a.m., with light refreshments before the service. Interment will take place at Enid Memorial Cemetery in Enid, Oklahoma, at a later date.

Arlo will be remembered for his service, leadership, and the joy he brought to those around him.