Michael John Arend
Friday, December 7, 1951
Date of Death:
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Age:
59 years old
Friday, December 7, 1951
Date of Death:
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Age:
59 years old
Friday, December 7, 1951
Date of Death:
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Age:
59 years old
Michael John Arend
Michael John Arend peacefully passed away at his home in Rochester, Minnesota on Friday, July 8, 2011. He was born on December 7, 1951, in Rochester, Minnesota, the second son of Ray J. Arend and Mary T. (Schaefer) Arend. He attended St. John’s Elementary School in Rochester, St. John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville, Minnesota, and graduated from Mayo High School in 1969. Mike graduated in 1974 from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture.
In 1978, Mike began A & A Landscaping Company in Rochester with long-time friend Bob Abolt. Mike left indelible evidence of his talent and hard work all over Rochester; planting trees and flowers that flourish today at many familiar Rochester sites including Madonna Towers and High Point Condominium.
Mike and Kristy Ellen Juergens (Arend) of Rochester were married from August 30, 1980 until 2000. Their two wonderful children are Andrew Ray Arend and Kayla Marie Arend, also of Rochester.
Mike was known for his sense of humor, sharp wit, infallible mechanical abilities, curiosity and intelligence.
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1993 commenced a tragic struggle from which he is now released.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ray J. and Mary T. Arend. He is survived by his brother Richard R. Arend (Carol) of Rochester, his beloved children and their mother, Kristy.
Friends may visit with the family an hour before Mike’s memorial service at 2 PM on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St SE, Rochester.
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A private interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Those who wish may honor Mike’s memory with a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for innovative Parkinson’s research.
Condolences
The family of Michael John Arend has received the following condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was unable to attend the funeral and then couldn't find a personal address to send a card. Skip told me about this site.
About a year ago I met Mike for lunch as I was so saddened by his health problems and wanted to let him know I cared and was concerned for him. He talked about his children and how proud he was of them.
He had beautifully landscaped the yard of a house we had built some time ago. He was very talented.
I also have fond memories of Mike while growing up in our old neighborhood on 16th Ave. Mike was a very special person and will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy and Les Cookman
I was a dear friend of Mike's and I am just now learning of his death, I am truly beside myself and want to extend my care and love to Mike's family, I know things with Mike were tough at times, but I also know that no one had a bigger heart than Mike did. I'm sitting here in Holland thinking of the last time i saw Mike, it was the day before I left for Holland a little over a year ago. I am grateful that I got to say goodbye, even if death wasn't the kind of goodbye I intended.
*For Kayla* I know I only met you a couple times and you were quite young, but I always remember how happy you were to spend time with your dad, I am sorry for your loss. I never got to meet Andrew but Mike talked about you and Kayla all the time, how bright and special both of you are.
Rick, I met you a few times, and I know you always had your brothers best interests at heart. Mike always said you were a good man. Thank you for all you did for Mike. He truly would have been lost without you.
Andy, Kayla, and Kristy,
My mom and I were saddened to hear of Mikes passing. I will always remember our trips to the river in the summers, the bonfires that were as big as a small house, and his homemade fireworks. He was a wonderful man and will never be forgotten. May god be with you in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Erin and Cindy Danewick
To the family of Mike Arend,
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Mike was a dear friend. I remember his humor, spirit and cool. We rode in that little red Dart of his in the 60's. I worked for his Dad mowing lawns and helping at the RayMar. He organized transgressive cooperation that I participated in with others of our time. I took saunas at the apartment. We laughed and looked ahead then. He was a singular being, one of a kind.
He gave by being. He shared the joy of detours. We were fooled again but the time remain a favorite mistake. I will remember him well.
Sincerely,
Keith
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mike, and the suffering he went through. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, God Bless.
Kristi, Rick and family. My heart goes out to you for the loss of Mike. I will always remember Mike"s big smile. He was a great friend to my brother-in-law Skip.
Sincerely,
Bob Pfaff and family
My sincere condolences to Mike's family upon hearing of his passing. He indeed had a great sense of humor and a generous heart and spirit. Be free of the bonds of this world Mike and rest in peace in the shadow of that power that guides you now..........................
Rick, We would like to express our sympathy in the loss of your brother. Gods speed to you in this time of mourning.
Mike was a good person who suffered the last years. Our thoughts and blessings to Mikes children and family.
Dear Kristy, Andy, Kayla, Mike, Carol and families,
Please know that our prayers for your family ask that God grant you peace and love in your hearts. I can't begin to imagine your loss, but I do know that God heals our pain. Mom always talked about how funny and creative Mike was and had the best time whne she would go over to A&A Landscaping to do the books. Mike and Bob would really give her a time with teasing and cajoling and she loved every minute of it. She commented often on Mike's ability to turn on the charm and that he could melt the polar ice cap when he smiled! May your fond memories of Mike and the Lord's healing hand see you through.
Janna and Charlie Galbreath
Kristy, Andy, and Kayla,
I am so very sorrow for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Barb
Dear Arend Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Gil and I enjoy the beauty that Mike created on our yard daily. Mike was so talented - he transformed a steep, clay/rock hill into beautiful trees/shrubs and flowers. Rest in peace Mike.
Gil and Rosey
Wishing we could be with you during this time but looking forward to hugging you on Kristy's birthday and perhaps in Alaska in August. Mike's true spirit and best qualities will surely live on in Andy and Kayla. Twenty-five years ago he gave us our first subscription to a small weekly magazine called "Science News" which we still peruse and enjoy weekly, a testimony to his enduring curiosity. And the 32 year old refrigerator that he fixed and taught us to vacuum is still going strong! May he rest in peace and may your healing begin.