Wilfred Arens

Wilfred N. Arens, age 89, of Padua, died Friday, October 18, 2019 at CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa on Wednesday, October 23rd at 11 a.m. with Rev. David Grundman presiding.  Interment will be held in the Saint Anthony Cemetery in Padua.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 22nd from 4 – 8 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa.  Visitation continues at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning prior to the mass at church.

Wilfred Nicholas Arens was born October 10, 1930 in Watkins, Minnesota, the son of Joseph H. and Mary (Asfeld) Arens.  On February 10, 1953, Wilfred was united in marriage to Doris Caroline Barten in Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre.  Following their marriage, Wilfred and Doris moved to Padua where Wilfred worked on the Arens family farm.  Soon after moving to Padua, they were able to purchase a dairy farm one mile south of Padua and raised their family at that homestead.  Wilfred operated the dairy farm and in 1994, they built a home in Padua for their retirement.

When Wilfred was not working and after his retirement, he was a merciless card player; he enjoyed playing 500, Solo, Buck Uker, and Whist just to name a few!  He was always up for a trip to the casino to play the slot machines with Doris.  He loved family gatherings and family celebrations – birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, he just loved being with his family and was excited to celebrate the occasion!   When he and Doris were able, they enjoyed traveling and especially loved vacationing on cruise ships.

For nearly 30 years, Wilfred served on the North Fork Board of Directors.  He was an active member in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Padua and later Saints Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Elrosa.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Wilfred is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doris Arens; children, Debra Collins (Lance Leipzig) of Nelson, Ken (Brenda) Arens of Sauk Centre, Barb (Jeff) Clark of Veblen, SD, Nancy (Tony) Radermacher of Ellsworth, WI, Mary Botten of Alexandria, Bonnie (Roger) Koehntop of Morris, Becky (Jeff) Spartz of New Hope, and Sandy (Jeff) Zenzen of Padua; 26 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren with one to arrive soon; sisters, Kathy Nelson of Maple Grove, Ruth Ann Zastrow of Sauk Centre, and Janet Jennissen of Sauk Centre; many nieces and nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Wilfred is preceded in death by his son, David Arens; son-in-law, Tom Collins; parents, Joseph and Mary Arens; brother, Clarence Arens, and sister, Lucille Minette.