Arens, James J. "Jim" 1927-2004

ARENS, KENNEDY

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/2/2006 at 14:35:27

James J. "Jim" Arens, 76, of Le Mars, died unexpectedly Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004, at his home in Le Mars.

Jim was a Plymouth County native and lifelong resident. He was born July 31, 1927, on the family farm southeast of Remsen, the son of Jim and Mollie (Kennedy) Arens. He grew up at Remsen and received his education from St. Mary's Catholic School, graduating in 1946. Jim had driven trucks for various trucking companies in the area over the last 60 years. He had retired about five years ago but since his retirement had done some part time trucking until November 2003.

Jim married Mary Ann Dreckman on June 30, 1959, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Le Mars. The couple owned and operated the Hi-Way Tap during the 1960s and the Margo Lounge during the early 1970s.

Jim was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #1381 in Le Mars.

His family and grandchildren were very important to him and he always enjoyed spending time with his brothers' and sisters' families. Some of his favorite pastimes were enjoying a cold beer, an occasional cigar, and giving people a hard time.

Survivors include his wife Mary Ann of Le Mars; three sons, Leo Arens of Sioux City, Leonard Arens of Omaha, Neb., and Ed Arens of Las Vegas, Nev.; two daughters, Annie Arens-Walker and her husband, Ed, of Ellettsville, Ind., and Amy Arens of Chandler, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Whitney, Katie, and Stephen Walker, and Noah Jacques; six sisters: Phyllis Englert of Hills, Helen Jaminet and Mary C. Loutsch, both of Remsen, Esther Konz and her husband, Leonard of Alton, Doris Wurth of Remsen, and Jane Konz and her husband, Leander of Remsen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Mary in infancy; two brothers: Oswald and Kenneth Arens; a sister, Valeria Alesch; and several brothers-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars with the Rev. James Tigges as celebrant, the Rev. Richard Ries concelebrating, and Deacon Don Kunkel. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Feuerstein Funeral Home in Le Mars is handling the arrangements.

Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church, where there will be a parish rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scriptural wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday morning from 8 a.m. until service time at the church.

Pallbearers will be Larry Arens, Jim Arens, Dan Jaminet, Don Loutsch, Gary Konz, Mike Wurth, Bob Alesch and Roger Konz.