OBIT: Gerald R. Arens, 74, Crofton, died March 11, 2005, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D. Visitation, with a rosary and a vigil service, was March 13 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton, and continued Monday at the Wintz Funeral Home, Crofton. Mass of Christian Burial was March 14 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton, with the Rev. Joseph Broudou officiating. Burial was in the Beaver Creek Cemetery, Crofton. Pallbearers were grandchildren, Brent Arens, Travis Arens, Brady Arens, Trevor Arens, Ashton Arens, Aliza Arens, Jenna Steffen and Holli Banes. Gerald was born June 14, 1930, in Fordyce to Anthony J. and Margaret (Sudbeck) Arens. He grew up on a farm three miles east of Fordyce and attended school at District 108. He farmed with his father and four brothers until his marriage to Lucille Schieffer Jan. 25, 1955, in Constance. After their marriage, they moved to a farm four and one half miles north of Crofton where he farmed his entire life. He also worked construction at Gavins Point Dam and as a laborer for the Corp of Engineers from 1955-1957. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing, fishing, hunting, farming and spending time with his entire family. Gerald was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a former Frankfort Township board member. Survivors include his wife, Lucille, Crofton; eight children and their spouses, David A. and Ann Arens, Crofton; Marie and Kevin Guenther, Owasso, Okla.; Tony Arens, Crofton; Jolene and Jeff Steffen, Crofton; Dan and Lorraine Arens, Crofton; Marge and Kevin Kniefl, Lincoln; Gary and Joselyn Arens, Crofton; and Janice and Tom Johnston, Sioux City, Iowa; 19 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three sisters and spouses, Lorraine Schmidt, Yankton, S.D.; Janita and Robert Uhing, Niobrara; and Delores and Charles Arens, Crofton; two brothers and spouses, Dennis and Mary Frances Arens, Hartington, and Kenneth and Ruth Arens, Fordyce; two sisters-in-law, Rita Arens, Fordyce, and Helen Arens, Hartington. He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Anthony Arens; two granddaughters, Brittney and Morgan Steffen; two brothers, Jerome and Damian Arens; one sister and her husband, Evelyn and Emery Koch; and one brother-in-law, Anthony Schmidt.

SOURCE: Cedar County News, March 16th 2005.