Mary Frances Arens

Mary Frances Arens

HARTINGTON — Mary Frances Arens, Hartington, a beacon of light and warmth, died May 2, 2024, in Norfolk, surrounded by her family and friends. At age 82, she left behind a legacy of love and devotion that will forever illuminate the lives of those she touched. Mass of Christian Burial was May 6 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Burial was at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Christopher Kruse, Daniel Arens, Levi Arens, Reid Arens, Jacob Nodes and Caden Arens. Honorary pallbearers were the rest of her grandchildren. Visitation and a vigil service were Sunday at church. Visitation continued Monday one hour prior to services.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Mary Frances was born to Alphonse and Clara (Rolfes) Heine July 22, 1941, in Yankton, S.D., and grew up on her parents’ farm in St. Helena, alongside her brothers, Allen and Leon-Butch Heine. From an early age, she embraced the values of hard work and the art of culinary mastery, skills that would become her hallmark. After attending Mount Marty High School and a year of nursing school, Mary Frances found herself swept off her feet by her dashing husband, Dennis Arens.

Mary Frances married her beloved Dennis Aug. 30, 1961, in a beautiful ceremony at their family church in St. Helena. Settling on a farm in Hartington, Mary Frances devoted herself to raising their seven children. She could often be seen driving the tractor with her children beside her, a testament to her dedication to both her family and her husband’s farm. Together, Dennis and Mary Frances forged a bond of love and devotion that lasted over 62 years, nurturing a family filled with warmth and compassion.

Beyond her role as a devoted wife and mother, Mary Frances was an integral part of her community. She served as a 4-H leader, CCD teacher, and was actively involved in various church and community organizations, including the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Altar Society, and Christian Mothers of America.

Family and faith were the cornerstones of Mary Frances’s life. She lovingly imparted both academic and life skills to her children and grandchildren, always leading by example with her unwavering strength, humor, and positivity. Despite enduring numerous health challenges throughout her lifetime, including over 35 major surgeries, Mary Frances remained resilient, drawing strength from her faith and the love of her family.

Mary Frances’s love for life was evident in her many passions, from gardening and canning to playing Sudoku and baking award-winning desserts, with her famous “French Silk” pie being a family favorite. Her nurturing spirit extended to her beloved pets, particularly her cats, and she found joy in simple pleasures like card games and storytelling with loved ones.

Mary Frances leaves behind a legacy of kindness and joy that will be carried on by her husband Dennis, her seven children, 19 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Though her physical presence may be gone, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Mary Frances is survived by her husband, Dennis Arens and seven children; Kim (late Todd) Wike, Omaha; Lisa (Gary) Kruse, Hartington; Leon (Susan) Arens, Omaha; Dennis Jr. (Dree) Arens, Hartington; Thomas (Teresa) Arens, Hartington; Jennifer (Bill) Nodes, Frisco, Texas; and Michael (Alicia) Arens, Fenton, Mo.; 19 grandchildren, Christopher Kruse, Corey (Mary) Kruse, Eric Kruse, Jesse Kruse, Megan (Kyle) Netzel, Daniel Arens, Caroline (Chris) Hobbs, Alexis (Adam) Heine, Levi Arens, Blake Arens, Nate Arens, Reid Arens, Breanna Arens, Jacob Nodes, Jackson Nodes, Joshua Nodes, Jayden Nodes, Caden Arens, and Madeline Arens; eight great-grandchildren: Carter Kruse, Cole Kruse, Claire Kruse, Catey Kruse, Eleanor Netzel, Ida Netzel, Calvin Hobbs and Jovy Heine; siblings, Allen (Mitzy) Heine and Leon-Butch (late Arlene) Heine.

Mary Frances was preceded in death by parents, Alphonse and Clara Heine; brother, John Heine; infant sister, Josephine Heine; sister in law, Arlene Heine; son-in-law, Todd Wike