William Arends, 79, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born November 4, 1940, in Conklin, Michigan, son of the late Jerome and Pauline (May) Arends. A 1958 graduate of Ravenna High School, Bill served in the Army National Guard from 1958-1966. He met Nancy L. Holtzlander on a blind date in 1958 and on February 13, 1960, married her at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Conklin. He worked for General Motors in Grand Rapids for 10 years earning his journeymans license as a tool and die maker. In 1968 they moved to Mt. Pleasant when he purchased the Avalon Bar. In 1976 they moved to Kalkaska where he managed a tool and die shop, NL Acme Tool. They returned to Mt. Pleasant in 1982 where he eventually purchased Oilpatch Machine Tool, Inc., a company he operated until 2012. In his semi-retirement he continued with the business as a consultant with his son, Mark. He and Nancy loved to travel. Their favorite places that they often visited were Drummond Island, Aruba, and Florida. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Knights of Columbus, the Eagles Club, the American Legion and Moose Lodge. Bill loved hunting, fishing, playing Euchre, and his truck . He cherished the numerous get-togethers in the family garage. More than anything, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Nancy; five children, Scott Arends of Wyoming, Jeff (Susan) Arends of Lake Orion, Tim (Julie) Arends of Elk Rapids, Christina (Tom) Dieck of Katonah, NY, and Mark (Mindy) Arends of Mt. Pleasant; 13 grandchildren, Madeline and Luke, Nathan and Emily, Carly, Sarah, Hannah and Justina, and Spencer, Olivia, Tommy, Tori, and Lexi; one great granddaughter, Nora; siblings, Mike (Carol) Arends of Allendale, Don (Pam) Arends of Fruitport, Mary Jane (Tim) Pearcy of Grand Rapids, Steve (Kathy) Arends of Williamston, and Dan (Lynne) Arends of Twin Lake; brother in-law, Howard Woodard of Ravenna; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Anna Mae Woodard. A Funeral Mass for Bill will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant and Deacon Larry Fussman assisting. Burial will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Monday from 2-7 p.m. with the Vigil and time for sharing beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, or Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.
