Harold W. Arends

Harold W. Arends, age 93, of Marshalltown, passed away on Friday, July 28th, and was able to join his beloved bride Shirley in heaven for their 63rd anniversary on Sunday, July 30th.

A visitation for Harold will be held on Saturday, August 5 from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. at Journey Church, followed by services beginning at 2:00 P.M. at Journey Church. He will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Harold and his family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born on December 4th, 1929, in Ellsworth, MN, he was the son of Richard and Evelyn Mae (Hickman) Arends. Harold moved to Balaton, MN, in 1936 and Worthington, MN, in 1943 where he was raised by the Luther and Elsie Jenkins Family and the Clarence and Marie Blixt Family.

Cpl. Harold Wayne Arends served our country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as a radio operator. Upon his return to Minnesota following the service, he worked on the Blixt farm and had many fond memories of it. In 1960, he followed his brother Roger to Marshalltown and began at Peak Electric. He later was employed at Chicago Northwestern and Swifts until retiring in 1988.

On July 30th, 1960, he was united in marriage to Shirley Thompson at the Baptist Temple in Marshalltown. They made Marshalltown their home for all of their married lives. They were active members of the First Baptist Church and later Journey Church. Faith was a big part of their lives and deep in their hearts. Both shared in bible studies at the Village Cooperative and classes at the church. Harold also enjoyed bowling, golfing, walking, church activities and volunteering as a driver for veterans in the community.

Left to cherish his life are his daughters: Marlys (Kendall) Moore of Marshalltown and Patricia (Phil) Richards of Mundelein, IL; grandchildren- Kyle (Lindsay Walters) Moore LeGrand, Todd Moore of Gladbrook, Alison Richards (John Roudabush) of Ankeny, Harrison (Kate) Richards of Lake Elmo, MN, and Amy Richards of Mundelein; five great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild, brother-in-law Jim Henkemeyer and many nieces nephews and friends.

In eternal life, Harold rejoined his beautiful Shirley who passed on July 31st, 2021, his parents, foster parents, brother Roger (Phyllis) Arends, sisters Elayne (Norman) Gunderson and Audrey (Wayne) Stubbe, and sisters-in-law Darlene Henkemeyer, Marian Handeland and Sandy (David) Nagel.