Timothy Richard Arkebauer, 67, of Ocala, FL, passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2026, with his loved ones by his side.

Tim was born in Davenport, IA on August 27, 1958 to Richard and Angela (Bulins) Arkebauer. He was a graduate of Orion High School. He married Cynthia Dee Hobson on June 26, 1999 in Rock Island. IL.

Tim worked various jobs over the years, but his most treasured position was helping students in the Rock Island-Milan School District through various duties and responsibilities. He thoroughly enjoyed this time before health issues forced him into early retirement. Along with employment in the Rock Island-Milan School District, Tim was a dedicated volunteer at Eugene Field Elementary where his wife Cindy taught and he was affectionately known as the “Popcorn King”. Besides making popcorn and cooking on the last day of school for the students and staff, Tim also volunteered for various projects for the Student Leadership Council. Some of these projects included hauling a trailer full of donations to Raul Martinez Elementary School in Houston, TX, and building bookshelves and coat hooks for classrooms. In his earlier years, he was a proud volunteer for the Orion Ambulance Service as an EMT.

Tim had a great love for animals as well as cars. One of his greatest passions was building his 1969 Pro Street Camaro with the help of his family and friends. He felt very honored to have it featured in several magazines and thoroughly enjoyed taking it to various car shows locally and around the country. When health issues increased and traveling with his car had to stop, Tim strengthened his love and devotion to smoking and barbequing almost any kind of food and sharing his “foodie” enthusiasm at many gatherings held over the years.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife Cindy, his brothers Tom (Rhonda) Arkebauer of Orion, IL, Ted (Karen) Arkebauer of Orion, IL, nieces Kayla (Nick) Masengarb, Emily Arkebauer, Karla (Brandon) Harris, Alexis (Rossano) Smith, Leah Harris, brother in law Jay Hobson, cherished Godchildren, Brandon Hynd, Addisen Hynd, Rachel Roman, and Zach Roman.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Angela and good friend Wayne Malaise.

Cindy would like to give a special thanks to all of the members of “Team Tim” for their love and unconditional support throughout the years, especially Tonya Roman, Jay, and Kayla during the past few weeks.

Private services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Rock Island County Animal Shelter or a charity of one's choice.