Crofton Journal

Mass of Christian Burial for Roman W. Arens, age 97, of Hartington, were held Monday, May 16, 2022 at the Holy Family (Sts. Peter & Paul) Catholic Church in Bow Valley.

Rev. An Duy Phan officiated, and burial was at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Bow Valley with military rites by the Hartington VFW Post #5283 and the Legion Riders.  

Pallbearers were Mike Feimer, Jonathan Arens, Michaela Purcell, Chris Fejfar, Patrick Hoesing, Melissa Keller, Carter Arens, and Brandon Leif.

Roman William Arens was born on the home place in rural Hartington on November 11, 1924 to Edward and Ida Louise (Schulte) Arens, and he died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at his residence surrounded by his wife and children.

He attended elementary school in District 108. He began farming as a youngster with his dad and then at age 18, was drafted into the U.S. Army. 

Arens served for two years with the 1st Calvary and spent time in Japan and the Philippines. Upon returning from the Army, he returned to the family farm where he worked side by side with his father for another 16 years, then carried on that tradition with his own family, until his death. 

He married Arlene Albrecht on October 25, 1950 in Yankton, S.D. Arens was fortunate to have spent his entire life on his family homestead where he was a crop and dairy farmer. He raised stock and feeder cattle as well as hogs with the help of his children when they were younger and with his oldest son, Gerard, as the years went on. 

For Arens, home was where the heart was. He treasured every moment being on the farm and it was his heart's desire to be in his home when he passed peacefully after 97 years.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and Hartington VFW Post #5283. He also served on the Sacred Heart Hospital Board in Yankton, and was a dealer for Archer Oil.  

The couple had a passion and love for music and dancing. Sunday mornings would find them teaching their kids how to dance and road trips always involved harmonizing songs with each other or praying the rosary. Arens also spent many hours doing woodworking over the years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Steve Fejfar, and 10 brothers and sisters.

Roman W. Arens is survived by his wife, Arlene of Hartington; eight children and spouses: Kathy (Ron) Feimer of Yankton, S.D., Gerard (Debbie) Arens of Hartington, Ed (Charlene) Arens of Fordyce, Mary (Steve) Fejfar of Yankton, Jean (Al) Hoesing of Hartington, Karen (Bryan) Arens of Hartington, Tim (Julie) Arens of Crofton, Judy (Perry) Leif of Lincoln; 30 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Laura Arens of Crofton, and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.