"Happy Valentine's Day, Monk. XOXO "
In loving memory of
Christopher Allen Arens
August 11, 1973 - September 6, 2019
Chris Arens of Lacey, Washington passed away on September 6, 2019.
Chris was born August 11, 1973 in Rochester, MN to Richard Arens and Barbara Loechler Arens.
Chris had 2 sons, Joey and Jake Arens.
Chris graduated from John Marshall High, University of Wisconsin LaCrosse, and received his Masters from Gonzaga University. In 1994 he joined the R.O.T.C program at UW at LaCrosse and became a member of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. His service included 3 years spent in Germany. He resigned his commission as a Captain.
Chris was employed by Kahler-Senders Group as an Account Executive. The job he cherished most was also his self-proclaimed toughest, being a stay-at-home dad for 6 years.
Chris is survived by his parents, Richard and Barbara Arens and his brother Jim Arens, Winona MN. He is also survived by his loving aunts and uncles: Dave and Sue Loechler Buffalo City WI, Deb and Lloyd Peterson Stockholm WI, Mike and Erin Loechler Milwaukee WI, Bill and JoAnne (Arens) Fuller Austin MN, Terry Arens Austin MN and Jeanne (Arens) Dolan Shakopee MN. Plus many special cousins that loved him dearly.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents Arthur and Jean Arens and Norman and Patricia Loechler. Aunts Carol O'Brien and Jeannette Johnson. Cousins Scott O'Brien and Angie Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21 at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Rochester, MN. Visitation will be from 9-11am with the service starting at 11am. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Arens family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"We adored Chris. He was kind, giving, unassuming, and a proud dad. We?d often cross paths in our shared side yard while watering the dogs or doing yard work. I realize now that I learned a lot more about what the boys were doing and how their sports were going in those conversations than I learned what was new with him. My husband, daughter and I miss him dearly. Our condolences to all his family. ?Relax? in peace good friend. Carolyn, Kevin, Nicole and McKenzie McKernan"
"I love you Monk. ?????? Rest In Peace. "
"Not only did we share the same birthday but we where also married on the same day! Our sons played basketball together. I miss seeing him at the games when he was working. I?m sorry for your loss. You son, father meet the world to me! "
"We loved seeing Chris' optimistic face on Saturday Mornings in Issaquah. He was always excited to get his day started and usually going to send time coaching his boys. We are profoundly sad and will miss Chris deeply. Issaquah Saturday Morning Group"
"Mr. & Mrs. Arens, Rarely do parents get the opportunity to hear comments about their children, but I wanted to make sure you saw this. I was fortunate enough to work and travel with Chris on several occasions. He was wonderfully kind, professional and fun to be around. I am a better person for having known him. He had a passion for life, and loved his sons. The two of you did a great job in raising an amazing young man. "Riding high upon the wings of Love" Chris - I'll miss you. Thanks for your friendship and you service to our Country. Aloha Brother..... Bert & Linda Hanson "
"I am simply devastated to learn of Chris's passing. We met in 1994 at UW-La Crosse through our mutual involvement in ROTC. A year later, we became roommates. I will forever remember Chris for his wry smile, quick wit, and the nights we would "cowboy up" and head downtown! Many great memories, many, many smiles. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time."
"Remembering my friend Chris and all the fun times we had coaching our boys in football and basketball. There is nothing better than being able to spend time with your kid, but meeting and spending time with great dads makes it even better. I know I speak for many of our friends who spend countless hours at practice and games - we miss you buddy. You will always have a seat on the bench my good man."
"I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Chris. He was such a pleasure to work with with a.n energy and smile that would light up any room. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be deeply missed. Rest In Peace Chris"
"I met Chris about 10 years ago from our work relationship and we became great friends. It is so easy to say meeting Chris the first time that you would likely make a point out of it to say what a great guy. He was full of great ideas and his opinions on everything were so well thought out and meaningful. I would call him to ask his opinion about something and 9 times out of 10 I would implement what he said. We played many rounds of golf and made up our own top golf game at the driving range before anyone knew what top golf was. The last idea he told me is a funny one. He says instead of using a vacuum to clean the car out use a blower to blow everything out. I found myself doing exactly this almost the next day. I will miss him so much. Chris was one of a kind and we all lost a great one. "
"He and I always bantered about football. He would wear his Packers sweaters and drank out of a Green Bay cup. I used to tell him to get away from me with that because I might spontaneously combust. Even with all the ribbing, he and I worked well together and became fast friends and I will always cherish that. I will miss his smile and his text messages on all the holidays. Be well my friend and GO HAWKS!!!"