Dr. Arden Luther Hothem

Arden Luther Hothem, born May 31, 1941 in Fresno, Ohio, left to join his beloved wife Jean in Heaven on June 7, 2023.  His family finds comfort knowing they are together again.

Arden was proceeded in death by his wife of 32 years, Jean Wills Hothem, his mother Edith Irene Maurer Hothem, his father Luther Clark Hothem, his brothers Maurice Clark (MC) Hothem, Lawrence (Lar) Lee Hothem, Ronald (Ron) Eugene Hothem and his sister Mary Rae Hothem Gambrell.  He is survived by his previous wife, Kathleen Young Hothem, the mother of his four children, Betsy Randall (Jeff), Kristy Arechaga, Andrew Hothem (Jennifer), and Nancy Linkesh (Mark); his eight grandchildren who appreciate the wisdom and legacy he has passed on to them: Sydney Hammond, Micah Randall, Noah Randall, Sabrina Arechaga, Sebastian Arechaga, Steele Hothem, Harper Hothem, and Jack (Huck) Hothem.

In high school, Arden was on the track team and in the choir. Those of you who sat near him in church will be as surprised as his children to learn of his choral involvement.  Arden attended the College of Wooster, transferring to Ohio State University his senior year, graduating in 1964.  He attended medical school at OSU, graduating with his medical degree in 1968.  He joined the military after graduation, serving stateside caring for soldiers injured during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

Arden completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  Upon completion of his training, he moved to Gainesville, GA and established Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery Associates. He was the first plastic surgeon in Gainesville and practiced for 34 years, from 1977 to 2011. Arden acquired additional training which allowed him to repair complex hand injuries. He took great pride and joy in his work and would have continued to practice if a broken femur hadn’t convinced him to retire.

Arden and Jean enjoyed traveling, socializing with friends and family, and donating generously to a multitude of charities.  Arden’s sense of humor was an integral part of his personality and brightened the lives of those who had the pleasure of his company. Occasionally his filter would slip and Jean would need to elbow it back into place.

Being raised in a farming family instilled a love of tractors and gardening in Arden. Going to The Farm in Murrayville was Arden’s respite from the stresses of being a surgeon and being father to four children. Arden loved sharing the beauty of his farm with friends and family. He spent as much time there as he could, working and improving the land.

Spending time traveling with family was important. For the past 33 years, he dedicated himself to upholding the tradition of an annual Hothem Family Reunion. The Reunion trips are a part of the legacy Arden leaves to his immediate and extended family.  Each summer, the family members from across the country gather for a week in a different location to spend time together, eating and adventuring.  This tradition has brought the Hothem family closer, enabling them to experience many different and varied parts of the country and see new things.

The Hothem family would like to thank the many angels who provided excellent care to our Dad while he was at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, especially his ICU and hospice nurses and technicians.  We are particularly grateful to Anga-Lee Tipton, the Nurse Practitioner at Lanier Village Estates, for going above and beyond in caring for Dad. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to these charities that were important to Arden:

Hop On A Cure www.hoponacure.org to cure ALS

Family Promise of Hall County www.familypromisehall.org for families experiencing homelessness

We Care www.wecarehall.org for children at risk and in need of assistance

Gateway Domestic Violence Center- www.gatewaydvcenter.org which provides support to people dealing with domestic abuse

The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 7:30 pm Friday, June 16, 2023 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel with interment to follow in Alta Vista Cemetery.  Dr. Bill Coates will officiate.

Memorial Park Funeral Home North Riverside Chapel | 989 Riverside Drive| Gainesville, GA