Alvin R. Arends
August 4, 1933 – March 24, 2026
Alvin R. Arends, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born August 4, 1933, to Joe and Grace Arends in Willmar, Minnesota, Alvin was the eldest of eight children. At sixteen, he moved to Iowa to work on family farms. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957 and served in Germany before returning to Minnesota, where his strong work ethic guided a lifetime of labor and service.
A farmer at heart, Alvin raised his family on the farm while also working at a lumber yard delivering sheetrock and lumber. Even after retirement, he continued helping neighboring farmers with planting and baling hay well into his 90s. He also enjoyed working at his son’s racetrack and was eagerly anticipating another season.
Alvin loved the outdoors—fishing, hunting, gardening, camping, and traveling. He took pride in his land, his pond, and his many outdoor cats. He loved it when the boys would deer hunt on his land. He loved it when family and friends came 4 wheeling and enjoyed his land. Known for his generosity, he was always ready to help others and never sought recognition for himself.
Above all, Alvin was devoted to his family. He raised ten children and cherished his role as grandfather to 27 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 26 great-grandchildren. His stories, humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed. He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren, they were the love of his life.
He is survived by his children Julia (Wayne) Vangsness, Arlene (Jeff) Peterson, Donna (Brad) Maki, Joseph (Stacie) Arends, Roger (Joyce) Arends, Debra (Forrest) Webber, Victorann (Mike) Biorn, Daniel (Kim) Arends, and Mark (Tabitha) Arends. He was preceded in death by his son Alvin Arends Jr., his parents, and his siblings.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April,8, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Oak Grove, Minnesota with visitation from 10:00 am to service time. Burial to follow at St. Patrick Catholic Church with a luncheon and celebration of Alvin’s life.
Alvin will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, and friend whose love for family and life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00am.
Visitation at 10:00am.
O Loving Father and Savior, send your angels to carry the soul of your servant from this earth to the heavenly place of eternal and everlasting life. Let family and friends who have passed before in faith be reunited in joy with the departed. Forgive any wrongs that have been committed and welcome this beloved spirit into the warm embrace of your unending peace. Amen.