Arens, James W. "Jim" 1933-2013

ARENS, SCHILTZ, JAMMERTHAL

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/18/2014 at 08:44:22

James Arens Sr.

Date of Death
Friday, March 29, 2013

Le Mars, IA

James W. “Jim” Arens, Sr., 79, of Le Mars passed away Friday, March 29, 2013 at the Brentwood Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars with Father Kevin Richter officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be after 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the Carlsen-Feuerstein Funeral Home in Le Mars followed by a 7:00 p.m. Scriptural Wake Service at the funeral home. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Jamie Arens, Shane Herman, Chris Arens, Michael Bridgford, Randy Bridgford, and Josh Woster Arens. Honorary casket bearers will be David Kramer, Jesse Arens, John Bridgford Jr., Eli Arens, and Brenden Arens.

James William Arens was born September 15, 1933 in Le Mars, Iowa to Martin and Elizabeth (Schiltz) Arens. Jim received his education in Le Mars. He was united in marriage to Lois Ann Jammerthal on February 11, 1956 in San Francisco, California. Shortly after the couple wed, they returned to Iowa. They later moved to Denver, Colorado before returning to the Merrill and Westfield areas. In 2002, they moved to Le Mars.

Jim worked many jobs to support his family. He worked for several years at Cargil in Sioux City and a number of years as an iron worker. In 1982, Jim suffered a severe stroke. Lois Ann cared for him in their home until May of 2006 when he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars. Lois Ann passed away on September 6, 2007.

Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing when he could. In his earlier years, he enjoyed going roller skating and to dances. After his stroke, Jim treasured the time spent with family and playing cards. He was a member of the Boilermakers Union and the Eagle’s Club.

His family would like to thank the staff of the Good Samaritan Society for all of the loving care and comfort provided to Jim. Jim considered the staff to be his second family.

Survivors include 7 children: Vikki Bridgford and her husband Jack of Le Mars, Cindi Herman and her husband Gary of Le Mars, James W. Arens, Jr. of Springfield, MO, Joseph Arens of Le Mars, Gregory Arens and his wife Cindy of Chatsworth, IA, Sheila Kramer and her husband Robert of Willard, MO, and Marc Arens and his wife Barb of Le Mars; 23 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Linda Arens of Akron; 3 brothers: Floyd Arens of Grass Valley, CA, Marty Arens and his wife Donna of Le Mars, and Tom Arens and his wife Marlene of Le Mars; a sister-in-law, Marietta Alesch and her husband Kenneth of Remsen; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Elizabeth (Schiltz) Arens; his wife Lois Ann; 2 sons: Billy in infancy and Gordon; 2 bothers, Bob and Clyde Arens; 5 sisters: Elaine (George) McKown, Ruth (Ray) Colling, Janet (Clarence) Langholdt, Anita (Vincent) Zimmer, and Betty (Dale) Price; and a sister-in-law, Betty Jo Arens. ©

Carlsen Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa