Erwin O. Arends' Obituary
Decatur - Erwin O. Arends, 88, of Decatur, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Erwin was born on a cold day on January 17, 1936 in Melvin, Illinois to Gilbert and Edna Arends. He was raised on their farm near Melvin. He went to school there and graduated from, Melvin High School in 1956.
He went on to The University of Illinois and Graduated in 1960 with a Degree in Engineering. From there he moved from Champaign to Decatur where he got a job in Mississippi Valley Structural Steel Co, starting in the Engineering Department. And enjoyed being a member of the Singing Illini Men's Glee Club and was in the group that got to sing at the World's Fair in Belgium.
He married Linda A. Chapman, August 4, 1963 in First United Methodist Church. They had their 60th Anniversary last year.
From Mississippi Valley he went on to be the Owner of a John Deere Tractor Company at Harristown and was there for 9 years. He got his Engineer's License in 1964.
From there he worked for Dennis Roby and Associates and was a Project Manager and design engineer for Power Plant building and Grain Handling structures for ADM and A.E. Staley.
From there he was with Kelly Construction Company as Project Manager for various Decatur Park Projects from 2000-2005 Including these projects 20002005 he was happy to include the Disc, Hickory Point Golf Club Buildings, and Renovation of Fairview Park Duck Pond in Fairview Park.
Erwin was active in many things in Decatur and was the leader of several: He was awarded the lllinois Professional Engineers called the Joint Honors Award given for community service and work awards together. Some of those are: Decatur Sertoma Club, and Organized the Breakfast Decatur Sertoma Club and was president, President of Central Illinois Chapter of Professional Engineers, President 2-3 years, and on the Board (Now Heritage) of Decatur Mental Health for 8 years, 12 years on the Board of Woodford Homes, President Chamber of Commerce- smalls business for 1 vear, 5 vears on the Executive Council of Boy Scouts Lincoln Trails, and 61 years member of First United Methodist Church, sang in the choir, played trombone in the brass group, and was very active in building upkeep and renovation and other groups
His friends very, very important to him in his life, from high school to today! Several interests but especially in younger days deep water diving, and you all know fishing was number one always and especially his fishing trips to Wisconsin and Canada. He was a avid believer in keeping in shape and exercised until the day he passed. He tried to keep in shape!
Erwin was preceded by his parent's and his only brother Donald and many Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and many cousins. He is survived by his wife, Sister-in Law, 2 Nephews and a Niece, and 2 Great nephews and 2 great nieces.
Visitation will be Friday, August 9, 2024, from 9:30 am until the service time of 11am, at First United Methodist Church, 201 W. North St, Decatur, IL 62523.
In lieu of flowers, donations to First Untied Methodist Church.
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