Frances Arens

Frances R. Arens, age 103 of Lawler, Iowa died Friday afternoon, January 25, 2013, at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2013, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler with Rev. Nick March celebrating the Mass. The pall will be placed on the casket by her six grandchildren. Pat Lynch will be the lector and the offertory gifts will be presented by Danielle Mashek, Connor Best and Anna Arens. Internment will be in the church cemetery with Paul Mashek, David Mashek, Bill Arens, Debbie Best, Mike Arens and Sara Moore serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton where there will be a 4:00 p.m. rosary and a 6:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Thursday. Frances Rosemary Arens was born February 3, 1909, in Ft. Atkinson, IA, the daughter of Frank and Alouisa (Berst) Sattler. She received her elementary and high school education in Lawler. On August 20, 1929, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, she married William Clarence Arens. To this union three sons were born and the couple adopted a daughter as well. Both Bill and Frances lived on farms their entire lives. The couple began farming on several farms in the Lawler area until purchasing the current home place in 1955. In her younger years, Frances loved working in her garden and raising geese around the farm. She raised 125 geese every year for many years. She spent more time outdoors than inside. William Arens died in 1970 at the age of 67, leaving behind his wife for another 42 years. For most people in the area, Frances was 'always around'. For many years, Frances would chauffeur the 'older' ladies to where ever they needed to go. She will be remembered by everyone as a great visitor who always wore a smile on her face. She was the number one fan for her grandchildren, especially in attending all of their sporting and school events. Frances was happy that she could remain in her own home and that her desire to pass away at her home was granted. Survivors include one son, Donald (Grace) Arens of Lawler; six grandchildren, Paul J. Mashek, David Mashek, Bill (Nicole) Arens, Debbie (Brad) Best, Mike (Linda Warren) Arens, Sara (Mason) Moore, nine great-grandchildren, Anthony J. Mashek, Danielle Mashek, Anna, Aubrey, and Luke Arens, Connor, Josie, and Hailey Best and Avery Moore. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons in infancy, Duwayne Arens and William Arens; one daughter, Arlene (Mashek) Yeager; one brother and sister-in-law, Duane 'Bushy' and Leona Sattler.