Elmer Jans Arends

Elmer J Arends age 89 of Nashua died Saturday, September 27, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua with Pastor Todd Burrichter officiating. Inurnment will be held at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City 9:00 a.m., Saturday October 4, 2025.  Gary Arends Jr., Michael Arends, Dougie King, Danny Pickett, John Russel, and Keith Arends will be serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 3, 2025 prior to the service at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua. A lunch will be served following the service at the church.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua has been entrusted with arrangements.

Born on April 18, 1936, in Shell Rock, Ia to Jans and Etta (Deraad) Arends.  Elmer’s life was one of dedication, hard work, and joyous adventure, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.

Born on April 18, 1936, in Shell Rock, Ia to Jans and Etta (Deraad) Arends.  Elmer’s life was one of dedication, hard work, and joyous adventure, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience.

Elmer’s journey began in the heartland, where he was raised with a strong work ethic, working on many farms during his youth. His commitment to his country was evident when he left his hometown to serve in the Army, a time that would shape the rest of his life. Upon his return, Elmer’s life blossomed when he married his sweetheart, Elisabeth Hangartner. They met through Elisabeth’s sister and exchanged vows at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Charles City in 1957, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with mutual respect and affection.  Elmer and Liz had a son Mike born in 1963 and later took in his brother’s son Gary Jr and they raised him as their own.

Education was important to Elmer, and he earned his GED after his military service, demonstrating his belief in the power of perseverance and continuous learning. He translated this belief into his professional life, embarking on a successful career at Bantam in Waverly, Iowa, where he started at an entry-level position. Through his dedication and leadership skills, Elmer worked his way up to become a top supervisor and plant manager, a role he held at the end of his 35 year career. His colleagues at Bantam remember him as a fair and inspiring leader who always had time for mentorship and advice.

Elmer’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, often sharing stories of the one that got away. He was very involved in the Boy Scouts going on numerous trips with son Michael and the troop.  Camping trips were a regular occurrence, with Elmer, Elisabeth, Michael, and Gary traveling west in their RV, exploring the vast landscapes and starlit skies. He was also an enthusiastic dancer, finding joy in the rhythm and companionship on the dance floor.

His love for the water was evident in the many boating excursions he enjoyed on multiple lakes with his family, and his competitive spirit shone through in his bowling league and snowmobile trips to Wisconsin. Elmer’s zest for life was infectious, and he never missed an opportunity to gather friends and family for a new adventure or a cherished tradition.

Elmer is survived by his wife Elisabeth Arends of Nashua; sons Michael Arends of Scottsdale, AZ and Gary Arends Jr. (Luke & Matthew) of Clovis, CA; sister Mary Jane Pickett of Marble Rock; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jans and Etta (Deraad) Arends; brothers: Gary, John, Donny, and Roger Arends; and sisters: Elizabeth Tegtmeier, Edna King, and Ester.

641-394-4314.