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Francis Patrick Arends was born March 17, 1927, in Minneota, to John and Dora (Wolters) Arends. Francis was a lifelong resident of the Minneota area. He served in the Army, stationed in Greenland, from 1945 until 1946. Upon his honorable discharge, Francis returned to the family farm. On June 21, 1952, Francis was united in marriage to Delores Ertz of Brandt, SD. The couple was blessed with ten children.
Francis enjoyed farming and gardening. He and Delores took many trips with Southwest Tours. The couple also went dancing every Saturday for many years. Francis would take his family to visit friends and family every weekend, if no one was visiting them at the farm already. Family was very important to Francis, and he looked forward to extended family get-togethers. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Francis was a proud member of the American Legion, VFW, and Catholic Order of Foresters.
Francis died on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the Minneota Manor. He is survived by his wife Delores of Marshall; children Paul (Joyce), Laura (Richard) Mead, Gregory (Elaine), James (Mari), Patricia (Dan) Vierstraete, Jeffrey (Jane), Brenda (Duane) Schmitz, Jean (Jim Wilton); 26 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dora, daughters Deborah and Lisa, brothers John, Henry, Joe, Leo, and William, and sisters Margaret and Minnie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Edward Church and School in Minneota.