Richard Charles Arends

Richard C. Arends, 66 of Devils Lake, ND died on Sunday, February 6, 2005 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 11, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Joseph Christensen will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 8:00 p.m. Visitation of Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim and Patty Puckett and Richard Getz Active Pallbearers will be Dean Hovern, David “Gravy” McPhail, Richard “Red” Vanleur, Duane Bokn, Ron Vetsch, Joe Vetsch, Leo Ziegler and Clayton Braaten. Reading the Scriptures: Gift Bearers will be Richard’s Grandchildren Extraordinary Minister will be Clayton Braaten. Music will be provided by Tom Burckhard and Lynne Webster, Vocalists and JoDee Lagein, Organist Richard Charles Arends was born on July 20, 1938 in Bottineau, North Dakota the son of Henry and Choral (Hagen) Arends. The family moved to Devils Lake where he was reared and educated. Richard graduated from Devils Lake Central High School in 1956. He entered the United States Navy in Fargo, North Dakota on May 29, 1956. He served on the USS Shangri-La, and was honorably discharged on July 10, 1959. He lived in Oregon for a short time before returning to Devils Lake. He was united in marriage to Judith Ann Vetsch on April 20, 1963 in Devils Lake where they lived, worked, and raised their family. They were married for 41 years, until Judy’s death on May 28, 2004. Richard worked at the Devils Lake Post Office for 31 years, until he retired in 1992. After retirement he worked at the Liquor Locker for several years. Richard was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church and the Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an avid reader, enjoyed music, and liked all sports, especially football. Richard is survived by: Daughters: Carrie Arends, Fargo Holly and her husband Kevin Byzewski, West Fargo Amy and her husband Craig Blake, Patty and her husband Ryan Becker, both Devils Lake Son: Paul Arends and his wife, Denise also of Devils Lake Four Grandchildren: Kindra Grondahl, Lucas Byzewski, Emily Byzewski, and Justin Blake. Sisters-In-Law and Brothers-In-Law: Angela and Leo Ziegler, Devils Lake Grayce and Clayton Braaten, Bemidji, MN Ron and Darla Vetsch, Devils Lake Jim and Jean Vetsch, Bismarck Gloria and David Knudsen also Bismarck Joe and Lisa Vetsch Patty and Hal Crawford both of Devils Lake Many nieces and nephews also survive. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judith; and a nephew, Bobby Vetsch