In Loving Memory Of

Robert “Bob” Louis Arends

Bob Arends was born on June 5, 1937 in Sheldon, Iowa to Arnold and Edith Goodyear Arends.  He grew up in Sheldon and attended Sheldon High School.  The family later moved to Verdi, MN where Bob graduated from Verdi High School.  On August 27, 1954 Bob enlisted in the United States Navy.  Following his honorable discharge on March 28, 1958 he returned to Sheldon.  On December 15, 1959 he and Gladys Kroon were married in Hospers, IA.  Following their marriage they made their home in Sheldon for nine years. In 1968 they moved to Slayton, MN where Bob worked as an over the road truck driver.  Bob retired in 2008 after 40 plus years of trucking.  Bob passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 78.  He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Slayton.  Bob enjoyed spending time with family and friends and all of his coffee-drinking buddies. 

Survivors include his wife of 56 years Gladys Arends of Slayton, MN, two daughters, Vicki Crowley of Slayton, MN, and Diane Guth of South Lake Tahoe, CA, four grandchildren, Bobbi and Mike Schoolmeester, Mark Crowley, Naomi Turner and Heather Dominguez; six great grandchildren, Austin and Emma Schoolmeester, Addison Speckmier, Deanna and Laina Crowley and Danny Schell; one sister-in-law, Shirley Arends of Fort Dodge, IA and several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Richard “Butch” Arends, son-in-law, Neal “Vern” Crowley, one sister and her husband, Marlene and John Van Rees and one brother, Wayne Arends.

Memorial Services

First Reformed Church in Slayton, MN on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ben DenHartog officiating.  The organist is Joan Friese.  Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN.  Military honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at the church and also one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.  Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements.