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- Arens, George T.
Our dear father, George Arens, passed away on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014. His passions were his Catholic faith, his family, his friends, fixing anything that needed fixing, and fishing, although not always in that order.
George and his twin brother Jerry were born on June 19, 1924, to August and Eva Arens of Appleton. The family also included older brother Dick and younger brother Adrian, as well as their beloved Aunt Helen, who lived next door. Theirs was a busy household, with Auggie directing the drum and bugle corps, and all four boys playing or marching in the band.
George entered the seminary at Mount Calvary in high school, but after completing his education, determined that the priesthood was not his life's path. Fr. Flanagan, the Founder of Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska called Dad and offered him a job at Boys Town. One of George's favorite memories was serving as chaperone for the Boys Town Choir as they toured the United States, playing such venues as Carnegie Hall, Giants Stadium, and Soldiers Field. Fr. Flanagan saw how wonderful a counselor Dad was and encouraged him to get his college degree. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Advanced English at Creighton University and went on to complete his Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Nebraska. Upon graduation, George was drafted into the army and served in World War II as an assistant to the unit's chaplain, although his title was Infantry Replacement. He later was called into service for the Korean War, working in the States counseling servicemen with psychological concerns.
On September 2, 1950, George married Mary Kay Conley, at St. Mary's Church in Omaha, Nebraska. As a surprise to George, Fr. Flanagan arranged for the Boys Town Choir to sing at their wedding. Two nights later, that same choir was performing in front of 85,000 fans in Chicago's Soldier Field. George and Mary lived the first ten years of their marriage in Omaha where Margie, Eileen, Bridget and Gerry were born. In 1960, George accepted a position with St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Green Bay, bringing the family closer to their Wisconsin relatives. There, George and Mary's youngest two children, Teresa and Sarah, were born. The family home on Hawthorne Place in Allouez will always be remembered as a sea of activity, in a neighborhood filled with children playing. In addition, the family's annual week at Trauba's cottage on Lake Poygan created amazing memories that are near and dear to all of the Arens children. At Poygan, Dad could fully relax, fishing daily with kids and eventually his sons-in law.
George worked as the Director of Casework at St. Joseph's for several years, followed by his work at the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. He was a marriage and family therapist and specialist in open adoption. In addition, he taught at St. Norbert's College in De Pere, WI, and lectured throughout the state. George retired in 1989 after 29 years with the Diocese. Mary's retirement gift to him was a set of golf clubs, which he put to good use with many friends as well as his sons-in-law. In addition, George and neighborhood friend Jerry Haltaufderheid walked daily together. Until George's death, Jerry and his dog Higgins visited Dad daily at the nursing home.
George is survived by his six children, Margie Davis of Albany, New York; Eileen (Don) Marcure of Green Bay; Bridget Arens-Jones (Tom Jones) of LaCrescent, MN; Gerry (Robin) Arens of Winneconne, WI; Teresa (Tony) Bruner of Tucson, AZ, and Sarah (Steve) Heck of Sun Prairie, WI. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Rich Davis of Portland, OR; Maggie Heck of Eau Claire, WI; Ryan Heck of Sun Prairie, WI; and Collin and Ethan Bruner of Tucson. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Nathalie Arens and Colleen Arens and many dear nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mary, his parents August and Eva, his three brothers Jerry, Dick and Adrian, his Aunt Helen, Uncle John Kettenhofen and other extended family members and dear friends.
Special thanks to the Appleton Arens family, who shared Christmas Eve and summer memories together, and always kept Uncle Jerry's memory strong. George cherished the friendships of Jarrie and Jerry Haltaufderheid and their family restaurant, Eve's, was where rehearsal dinners and many anniversary parties were held. Joan Warden and Vi Obey began as caregivers for Dad and Mom respectively, and then became close family friends. Joan continued to visit Dad weekly at Odd Fellow Home. Thanks also to Shirley and Charles Arens for the many beautiful handmade cards they sent to Dad. Each card was shared with staff visitors. Others who enriched Dad's life included friends Cassia and Jonathan, beloved neighbors Ruth Bertrand and Meg Larscheid, friends Frank and Vee Rolan, and Phil Hoffmann, who brought Dad communion each week when he could no longer attend Mass.
The staff and leadership team at Odd Fellows Home demonstrated that a nursing home can indeed become a true home. George would frequently comment how beautiful the center was, how lovely the gardens were, and most of all, how caring and considerate staff were to him. We will be forever grateful for Renee at OFH, who Dad loved for her gentle spirit, calm presence, and ability to sense exactly what he needed. Thank you also to Unity Hospice, who guided us through the last week of Dad's life.
The license plate on Dad's maroon Buick read "OGEZYA", a favorite expression of his interpreted as "Absolutely!" OGEZYA, he will be missed.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, September 8th at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay, WI. *(Monroe Ave., is closed. Access to funeral home is available off Madison St., one block West of Monroe and one block north of Chicago)* Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 9th at 11:00 AM at George's parish of 54 years, St. Matthew's Church, 130 St. Matthew's Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin with a 10:00 AM visitation before the mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in George's memory.
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1924 - 2014 (90 years)
, d. 11 Jun 1949, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin 