William George Arends, 94, peacefully passed away at 8:38 am Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Gibson Area Hospital-Annex where he had been a patient for seven days. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.
William was born in Melvin on May 2, 1929, to Frederick G. and Lavina Geise Arends. He married Jean Ann Koehler on February 5, 1956.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years Jean Ann Arends of Melvin; two children Anita Jean Arends of Savoy and Ross (Connie) Arends of McLean, Virginia; daughter-in-law Linda Arends of Meridian, Idaho; and five grandchildren Andrew, Coco (Corinne), Alexander, Conrad and Carissa Arends all of McLean, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd William Arends, and two sisters Evelyn Gulo and Marjory Hudson.
William graduated from Melvin High School in 1947 and from the University of Illinois in 1951. After graduating he returned home to farm the family farm that has been in the family for over 150 years. He retired after 55 years. He served as trustee of Peach Orchard Township as well as Supervisor. He was a faithful member of the Melvin United Methodist Church.
Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City is assisting the family with arrangements.
