Arlen Herbert Siegfreid

Arlen was born in Newton Kansas on August 23, 1946. After graduating from Strong City High school, he attended Emporia State University on a football scholarship. Arlen went to the Kansas Police Academy and began his career at the Ottawa Police department. In 1970 he was hired by the Olathe Police Department where he was promoted to captain. While serving in Olathe, Arlen was awarded 2 Governor’s awards for bravery and valor. After leaving law enforcement, he worked in logistics for several freight lines and also received his degree from Mid America Nazarene College.

In 2002 Arlen was elected to the Kansas legislature, representing the 15th district. During his 11 years in the Kansas House, he led as the chair of Fed and State and Tax committees. He was then elected Speaker Pro Tem in 2008 and was elected Majority Leader in 2010.

In 2013 Arlen stepped down from the legislature and accepted an appointment by Governor Sam Brownback to be the Executive Director and Chief Hearing Officer for the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals but not before receiving the 1st ever Capital Statesman Award from his peers for bipartisan leadership in the Kansas House. He retired in early 2020.

Arlen was first and foremost a man of faith, a devoted and loving husband, father, and a member of the Nazarene church for 40 years. He drove a bus every Sunday for over 20 years to bring local children to church and was a spiritual mentor to many, especially his own children. He was unwavering in his principals, a community leader, a conservative advocate, and a champion of causes like Kansans for Life, Autism, and the Kansas School for the Deaf. He positively impacted many on both sides of the political arena. He was quoted as saying “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who receives the credit.”

Arlen is survived by his wife of 39 years Barbara, his children Shawn Siegfreid (wife Sherri), Kristi Smith, Monty Siegfreid (wife Melissa), Jessie Villarreal (husband Kris), Tyler Siegfreid, 14 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Arlen is preceded in death by his parents Dean and Arlene Siegfreid.

There will be a private family burial in Olathe on Monday April 20, 2020. There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date. If desired, friends can make memorial contributions to the Kansans for Life.