Roman W. Arens

Roman W. Arens age 97 of Hartington, Nebraska died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at his residence surrounded by his wife and children. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family (Sts. Peter & Paul) Catholic Church in Bow Valley with the Rev. An Duy Phan officiating. Burial will be at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Bow Valley with military rites by the Hartington VFW Post #5283.  Visitation will be on Sunday, at church, from 3-5:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Monday one hour prior to services.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington. Pallbearers will be Mike Feimer, Jonathan Arens, Michaela Purcell, Chris Fejfar, Patrick Hoesing, Melissa Keller, Carter Arens, and Brandon Leif. Roman William was born on the homeplace in rural Hartington on November 11, 1924 to Edward and Ida Louise (Schulte) Arens. He attended elementary school in District 108. Roman began farming as a youngster with his dad and then at age 18, was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served for two years with the 1st Calvary and spent time in Japan and the Philippines. Upon returning from the Army, he returned to the family farm where he worked side by side with his father for another 16 years, then carried on that tradition with his own family, until his death. Roman was fortunate to have spent his entire life on his family homestead where he was a crop and dairy farmer. He raised stock and feeder cattle as well as hogs with the help of his children when they were younger and with his oldest son, Gerard, as the years went on. For Roman, home was where the heart was. He treasured every moment being on the farm and it was his heart's desire to be in his home when he passed peacefully after 97 years. Roman was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and Hartington VFW Post #5283. He also served on the Sacred Heart Hospital Board in Yankton, and was a dealer for Archer Oil.  He and Arlene had a passion and love for music and dancing. Sunday mornings would find them teaching their kids how to dance and road trips always involved harmonizing songs with each other or praying the rosary. Roman also spend many hours doing woodworking over the years. Roman is survived by his wife Arlene of Hartington; eight children and spouses Kathy (Ron) Feimer of Yankton, SD, Gerard (Debbie) Arens of Hartington, Ed (Charlene) Arens of Fordyce, Mary (Steve) Fejfar of Yankton, Jean (Al) Hoesing of Hartington, Karen (Bryan) Arens of Hartington, Tim (Julie) Arens of Crofton, Judy (Perry) Leif of Lincoln, 30 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren; a sisterl-in-law Laura Arens of Crofton, and many nieces and nephews. Roman was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Steve Fejfar, and 10 brothers and sisters.