Cover photo for William "Bill" Arens Sr.'s Obituary
William "Bill" Arens Sr. Profile Photo
1943 William 2017

William "Bill" Arens Sr.

March 5, 1943 — May 11, 2017

William 'Bill' Clarence Arens, Sr., was born March 5, 1943, to Clarence and Josephine (Koch) Arens at Pipestone, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Martin’s Church in Woodstock. He graduated from Pipestone High School in 1961. Bill serviced in the Army National Guard for four years and was stationed in Alaska for a portion of that time. On May 4, 1968, Bill married Marlene VanDePutte at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Minneota, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with five daughters and one son, and 49 years of life together. Bill and Marlene lived on the family farm just outside Woodstock until 2003, when they moved into town due to Bill’s declining health. Bill farmed his entire life, and only “semi-retired” the last few years. On Thursday, May 11, 2017, Bill died peacefully while under the care of Slayton Rehab and Healthcare Center and Compassionate Care Hospice in Slayton, Minnesota, at the age of 74 years, two months, and six days.

It was hard to miss Bill as he drove his pickup truck around the farm he took over from his father in 1969. A resident of Woodstock his whole life, he often declared, “I’ve never left Pipestone County. Never will. This is God’s country.”

Bill proudly talked about the long rows of lush crops, always thinking of innovative ways to improve them. Originally just 160 acres, the farm over the years grew in size, west of Woodstock.

Bill was a nonstop person, always doing more, and more. Whether it was raising cattle, pigs and sheep, or planting corn, soybeans or wheat, he never stopped working. Even though he rarely relaxed, some nights he would ride around in his truck, looking at the fields, enjoying the simple pleasure of watching the growth, the budding, the blossoming, the ripening of his crops. He also enjoyed hunting deer and pheasants close to the farm.

Farming was his life and even though it was hard work, it wasn’t really a job. He just loved doing what he did. He met each season head-on and enjoyed the fact that every year offered new challenges. He truly believed the only way to do great work is to love what you do. That philosophy was passed down to his children and grandchildren, and he encouraged them to follow their dreams, believe in themselves, and never give up.

A devoted family man, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family. The family would go to church together on weekends, and afterwards often visit with his parents, then later his grandchildren. Bill particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow from babies, to toddlers, to little kids and young adults. Seeing so much wonder and firsts through their eyes was a special part of his life.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marlene; his four daughters, Nancy Blake Lovelady of Minneapolis, MN, Kay Arens of Woodstock, MN, Kristine (Jay) Bird of Chaska, MN, and Bobbi (Steve) Scarrow of Eagan, MN; four grandchildren, Gianna Njau, Valencia Murphy, Marcel Arens and Henry Scarrow; three siblings, Janet Dysthe, Jean (Frank) Mayer and Richard (Susanne) Arens; and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his two children, Carrie and William (Jr.) Arens; and his brother-in-law, Howard Dysthe.

To send flowers to the family in memory of William "Bill" Arens Sr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Sunday, May 14, 2017

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

St. Martin Catholic Church - Woodstock

101 Smith St N, Woodstock, MN 56186

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Prayer Service

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Starts at 6:30 pm (Central time)

St. Martin Catholic Church - Woodstock

101 Smith St N, Woodstock, MN 56186

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Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, May 15, 2017

Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)

St. Martin Catholic Church - Woodstock

101 Smith St N, Woodstock, MN 56186

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Burial

St. Martin Catholic Cemetery

, Woodstock, MN 56186

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