Thomas J. Arends

Thomas Arends, age 49, of Raymond, died Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar following a five-year battle with colon cancer.

His funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond.  Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 23, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  The service will also be live-streamed on the church's YouTube page. 

Thomas Jason Arends was born November 23, 1971 in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Roger and Deloria (Nelson) Arends.  He grew up and received his education in Willmar, graduating from Willmar High School in 1990.  On May 18, 1996, he married Deborah Johnson at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. Two daughters, Leiah and Hailey, were born to their marriage. They made their home in Willmar until moving to Raymond in 1999. Tom farmed with his brother, Mike, near Pennock and owned and operated Special Touch Floral in Clara City with Deb before going to work at Haug Implement in Willmar, where he worked as a service controller.

Tom was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.  He was also an active member of the Raymond community, serving on both the Raymond Fire Department and Raymond Ambulance Squad.  He enjoyed traveling to Disney World, watching Marvel movies, spending time outdoors, camping, and most of all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife: Deb of Raymond; his daughters: Leiah and Hailey; a brother: Mike (and Julie) Arends of Pennock; a sister: Deb (and Jeff) Bush of Raymond; and his nieces and nephews: Courtney (and fiancé A.J.), Whitney, Lauren, Cody, and Colton.  Also surviving are his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Dale and Judy Johnson of Willmar; a sister-in-law: Kim (and Tyson) Dixon of Lock Haven, PA; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Roger and Deloria Arends; and his grandparents: Reuben and Dorthea Nelson, and Arnold and Ann Arends.

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