Roman W. Arens

HARTINGTON — Roman W. Arens, 97, Hartington, died May 11, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his wife and children.

Mass of Christian Burial was May 16 at Holy Family (Sts. Peter and Paul) Catholic Church, Bow Valley, with the Rev. An Duy Phan officiating.

Burial was at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Bow Valley, with military rites by the Hartington VFW Post #5283 and the Legion Riders. Visitation and a vigil service were

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.

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

Roman William was born on the homeplace in rural Hartington Nov. 11, 1924, to Edward and Ida Louise (Schulte) Arens. He attended elementary school in District 108. Roman began farming with his dad as a youngster, and then at age 18, was drafted into the U.S. Army. He 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 Oct. 25, 1950, in Yankton, S.D. Roman 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 Roman, 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.

Roman was a member of Sts. Peter and 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. He and Arlene 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. Roman also spent many hours doing woodworking over the years.

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

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