David Arens

David Stanley Arens, age 74 of Graceville, MN, passed away on July 25, 2023, in Graceville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be at Consolidated Cemetery in Graceville.

Music will be provided by Deb Needham, pianist and the “Arens Girls”, vocalists. Casket bearers will be: Dan O’Donnell, Chad Arens, Jason Woebkenberg, Johnny Kleindl, Doug Ims, and Jeff Mueller. Honorary bearers will be his grandchildren: Jake, Justin, and Haley Gillespie; Ashley, Will, David, Charles and Christian Arens; Grant and Avery Loss; Acacia and Brooke Foran.

David Stanley Arens was born February 4, 1949, in Graceville, MN. He was the son of Robert Arthur and Mary Ann (Wieser) Arens. He attended grade school in Barry, MN. He told his kids he was the smartest kid in his class. However, turns out he was the only kid in his class until the 4^th grade. He graduated from Graceville High School and then enlisted in the United States Army.  While on leave he met the love of his life, Alice Zach at a dance at the Browns Valley Colosseum. In classic Dave style, he asked a friend to bring her over to say hi and then he pretended he didn’t know her! They were married 8 months later July 10, 1971, and were blessed with five children: Ronda, Brenda, Raymond, Julie, and Nancy.

Dave and Alice put their roots down by taking over the family farm. They were dairy farmers for 23 years and then transitioned into crop farming. The family farm is where he taught his kids the value of hard work, a foundation of faith, and to appreciate the smell of cow s#*!. Dave had many hobbies and activities that he was excited to teach his kids and grandkids. He shared his love for horses, westerns, rodeos, fishing, exploring nature, and playing cards. However, his favorite times were spent giving the grandkids countless golf cart, tractor, and combine rides where no grandkid could resist the urge to take a nap on grandpa’s lap. 

In their “semi-retirement”, Dave and Alice have enjoyed their winter home in McAllen, TX. Dave could always be found helping someone fix anything and everything, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

Dave will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. Always ready to tease, joke, and respond with a quick wit, smile, and laugh. He was easy to talk to and had the knack to make anyone feel instantly comfortable and welcome. His Catholic faith anchored his humble nature and enjoyment of the simple things in life. His devotion to Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary was felt in each rosary he prayed on their nightly call with his family and friends.

Dave was a true servant of God. A selfless and hard worker, faithful husband, provider, and protector of his family. He was truly one of kind and will forever be loved.

David Arens is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice of Graceville, MN; five children: Ronda (Kyle) Gillespie of Clinton, MN; Brenda (Tim) Fahrenbrink of Bloomington, MN; Raymond (Lynnette) Arens of Graceville, MN; Julie (Jer) Loss of Elk River, MN; and Nancy (Colin) Foran of Divide, CO; 12 grandchildren: Jake, Justin, and Haley Gillespie; Ashley, Will, David, Charles and Christian Arens; Grant and Avery Loss; Acacia and Brooke Foran; siblings: Mike (Susan) Arens, Carol Mueller, Linda (Dennis) Ims, Gary (Jill) Arens, Steve (Marilyn) Arens, Susie (Paul) Woebkenberg, and Cathy Simon.

David was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Mary Ann Arens; brother, Kenny Arens; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Fred and Eleanor Zach.