Harold Alfred Arens
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Harold Alfred Arens, age 82 of Crofton, Nebraska died on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at his residence.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton with the Rev. Michael Schmitz officiating. Burial will be at the St. Rose Cemetery in Crofton with military graveside rites by the Crofton American Legion Post 128. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 3-8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 3:30 p.m., a vigil service at 6:30, followed by a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at the Wintz Funeral Home in Crofton.
Pall bearers: Bruce Reifenrath, Robert Thunker, Rick Arens, David Arens, Larry Arens, Marcel Arens, Mick Reifenrath, Brian Arens, Kent Nelson.
Honorary Pall bearers: Gerald and Ruth Foxhoven, Ray and JoAnn Poppe, Gerard and Norma Van Heek, Wes and Evelyn Cimpl, Gail and Wanda Peterson, Doug and Sheri Moser
Harold Alfred was born on July 31, 1927, along with his twin brother, Gerald, to John and Caroline (Luft) Arens on the family's rural Crofton farm. Growing up, he attended District 95 country school in Dolphin Township. He also attended St. Rose School in Crofton and Crofton High School. Harold was drafted along with several other northeast Nebraska men to fill the ranks of the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1951 during the Korean Conflict. He spent two years stationed in Ulm, Germany, serving in Company G, 110th Infantry, 28th Division. Harold looked up the Arens family roots while serving in Germany. He was a member of Crofton American Legion Post 128.
After returning home from the service, he farmed with his parents, and during the drought years, he worked for a vault company in Omaha and in the construction of Oahe and Gavins Point dams. He helped seed grass in many of the recreation areas along Lewis and Clark Lake.
On May 14, 1960, Harold married Margaret Bickett at St. Agatha's Catholic Church in Howard, SD. They made their home on the Arens family farm along West Bow Creek south of Crofton for 37 years. Over the years, he and Margaret were awarded conservation awards, including the Lewis and Clark NRD Conservation Farm Award in 1993. He helped Santa Claus over the holidays by delivering candy to neighborhood friends and children. He was honored with the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award. He was a club leader of Lucky Livewires 4-H Club and served on the Knox County Extension Board. He was a lifetime member of St. Rose Parish, serving as APC delegate and on parish council. He loved volunteering for the church, helping with improvement projects and even changing light bulbs in church. He was also a member of the St. Rose Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters and was a strong supporter of St. Rose School.
Harold semi-retired from farming in 1990, because of bronchial asthma. After farming, he worked at Roger's Yamaha in Bloomfield, and then took a job with Walmart in Yankton, SD when the store opened. He served for nearly 20 years as a people greeter.
Harold is survived by his wife, Margaret, Crofton; two sons and their wives: Paul and Jules Arens, Bellwood, NE and granddaughter Josie Arens; and Curt and Donna Arens, Crofton and granddaughters Lauren and Taylor Arens and grandson, Zachary Arens; three sisters, Viola Reifenrath, Crofton, Eleanor Nelson and her husband, Sam, St. Helena and Leona Thunker, Gainesville, VA; his twin brother, Gerald, Hartington, NE; and brothers, Irvin, Randolph, NE and Alvin and his wife, Sharon, Norfolk, NE; sister-in-law, Arlene Arens, Crofton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Benedict Arens (died at birth), Clarence Arens, Lawrence Arens and Raymond Arens and sister, Ceceilia Reifenrath; brother in-laws, Norbert Reifenrath, Raymond Thunker, Albert Reifenrath; sister in-laws, Barbara Arens, MaryAnn Arens, Francis Arens, Norma Jean Arens, and several nieces and nephews.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be sent to: St. Rose School Legacy Fund, 1302 W. 5th St., Crofton, NE 68730; Nebraska Children's Home; and Avera Sacred Heart Hospice Program, Yankton, SD.
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I have always known Harold to have the gentleness that I remember
in his father John who was very close to my mother, Florence Hoebelheinrich
Albrecht. I always remember mom talking fondly about taking care of John and
Gerald when they were born. I can only imagine the celebration heaven held
the day Harold entered it's kingdom. What a joyous reunion of many whom
Harold loved on this earth who had gone before him. May all the good
memories be a source of comfort ;as you have said Margaret, "Let's celebrate
his life". I am grateful for the example Harold was to me, even though I
know he was often in pain ther was always a smile on his face when he
greeted me. My deepest sympathy to you Margaret, Curt, Paul and your
families. May you be surrounded and comforted by your faith, family and
friends as together we remember and give thanks for Harold's life. God
bless.
Chaplain Mary Hochstein
Thinking and prying for the family
Laura (Birgen) Palmer
My sympathies to the entire Arens family. I have such fond and happy memories of Harold. I will never forget his Santa visits to our house, when I was little. They were something I looked forward to every year! As an adult, I enjoyed sharing those memories with him when I would see him. Such a generous man, who's now at home with his Father.
Leslie (Rupiper) Morrow
Curt, Donna & family:
Extending our sympathy during this difficult time in your lives. Know you
are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lonnie & Beth Tramp
My prayers are with you Margaret and your whole family. You were such an inspiration to Harold and he was such a loving and caring person. He will truly be missed by all. The angels are celebrating his arrival.
Mary Uhrich
Just a short note to extend my sympathies to the Arens' family. I will always remember "Santa's" visits when we were kids. Harold always remembered who I was when I would see him at Wal-Mart. He was a wonderful person. Your family is remembered in our prayers.
Deanna (Kohles) Fischbach
May God bless you with the strength to get through this most difficult time. He was such a kind man, fun to talk to him at Walmart. The family has meant a lot for many years. Mother always had fond memories when she worked for his parents when the twins were born. They were always so appreciative of anything done for them. You have our deepest sympathy.
Cyril and Laverta Mauch
We are sorry to hear of the death of your husband and father. He was always such a kind man and always had positive things to say when he saw you. You were blessed to have him.
Robert & Joyce Gentrup
I worked with Harold at Wal-Mart for several years and you could not find a kinder, more gentle man. He made those around him feel so special. He will be sorely missed...
Jane (Freng) Kress
Harold you will be missed by so many, we enjoyed being neighbors and friends. Margaret please let us now if you need anything-we are not far away.
Neal & Jody Neuhalfen
I was sorry to open the paper today and see that Harold had passed away. I worked with Harold at Wal-Mart years ago and was always impressed by what a kind and thoughtful man he was. Although I moved away, when I was in Yankton and would stop in Wal-mart he always remembered who I was and took the time to ask how everyone was. I will miss seeing him there. Your family will be in my prayers.
Karen Ritter
Margaret and family: My thoughts are of you, my prayers are for you, and my heart is with you.
I am so sorry to hear of Harold's passing. I feel like another part of my Dad is gone. They were such good friends. I always enjoyed talking to Harold at Wal-mart, too. We kept up with some of the happenings in eachother's lives. Harold was always especially concerned about my uncles, Fr. Tim & Bud. He will truely be missed!
Tammie (Lange) Eskens
Our deepest sympathy to Margaret and family at the loss of a great husband, father and friend! Harold was a special person who always had a smile on his face, each time you saw him. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touch.
Ken & Mary Thunker
I met Harold when I started working at Walmart in Yankton. He was a very special person. He made working a lot more enjoyable. He was always very friendly and liked to visit with everyone. When I did not have transportation and we got off at the same time he would always give me a ride home. I loved Harold. He was a good friend. I will miss him. Terry J. Gorham Yankton South Dakota
Terry J. Gorham
Our deepest sympathy to Margaret, Curt, Paul and family. We can't be there but we will be praying with you. All these years and I had no idea he was Santa. I always loved Uncle Harold and will miss him.
Alvin Arens Jr. & family
I went to school with Curtis. Fixed Harolds car and pickup years ago. I always liked Harold. A good man in my book. My heart goes out to Curtis and the family. You have my sympathy. Time marches on.
Jeff Schieffer
Curt and family, I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Take care of yourself during this time and know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Crystal (Olson) Goeden
Curt, Donna, and family, my deepest sympathies to you on the loss of Harold. I have to tell you, my Dad used to make us go to Walmart just so he could say hi to your Dad. That job was perfect for him, I thought, because he always had a smile for everyone. Take care of yourselves and each other during this time.
Sharon (Bogner) Anderson
Margaret, Curt and family, My deepest sympathy to you and the many who loved Harold. I have many great memories of visits and conversations over the many years. He will be missed by many. I am hopeful that we will have opportunity to visit sometime in the next months. Warmest regards.
Darrel, Bette Seabaugh and family
My deepest sympathy to Margaret, Curt and Paul. I always considered Harold as one of my best friends and recall often the great times we had in our younger years.
Clayton Meyer
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Dolores Kaiser
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