Arlo J. Mittleider

Arlo James Mittleider, 85 passed away on April 1, 2026

Arlo was born on March 14, 1941, in Coleharbor, North Dakota, to Jacob and Martha Mittleider. He spent the majority of his life in Page, North Dakota, where he was a familiar and respected presence in the community, before moving to Fargo, North Dakota later years.

On July 31, 1971, Arlo married Sheryal Poehls. They built a life together centered on family, community, and steady commitment to others. Sheryal preceded him in death on June of 2021.

Arlo dedicated his career to education, teaching at Page High School for many years. He taught industrial arts, physical education, and driver’s education-roles that suited him well, as he enjoyed working with young people and preparing them for real life. He also coached basketball, something he continued to speak about often. After his time in the classroom, he continued teaching in his own way by starting AJM Behind The Wheel, his driver’s education business. When his teaching and driver’s instruction years were behind him, he spent much time accompanying his son John on sales routes across North Dakota as they built “Off The Hook Seafood”, a retail seafood business serving communities throughout the state.

He was a kind and approachable man who never had trouble starting a conversation, whether with a longtime friend or someone he had just met. Arlo valued people, and it showed in how he lived-through his generosity, his willingness to help, and the way he stayed connected to those around him. Above all, family came first.

In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He was also a reader who loved old west novels; he likely read every story Louis L’Amour ever wrote.

Arlo is survived by his children: John Mittleider (Olubusola) and their daughter Tabitha; Christina Tillman (Aaron) and their children Elijah and Eliana; and Jez Mittleider. He is also survived by his sister, Angie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheryal; his parents, Jacob and Martha; his brother, Arvid; and sisters, Elle, Lillian, Joan and Randy.

A celebration of Arlo’s life will be held on Monday, April 27, at Hope Lutheran Church (North Campus).