Robert J. Arens

1924 - 2021

Robert J. Arens

Howell - Robert Arens, age 96, went to be with the Lord on February 1, 2021, in Howell, MI after a brief struggle with cancer. He was born on September 24, 1924 in Lansing, MI, graduated from Resurrection High School, and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. Robert served in the US Army in WWII and was wounded in Italy in 1943, receiving the Purple Heart. He married Roberta Rosen in Lansing in 1952. He started Arens Sign Co, and in 1963 Spartan Sign, Inc., retiring in 1987. He moved his family to Mason in 1964, then moved to Fairfield Glade, TN in 1990. Robert was a prolific artist in watercolors and oils. He and Roberta co-owned and operated the Village Art Shop in Mason in the 1970s, and together they did art shows throughout Michigan. He served on the Mason City Council from 1974 to 1986, and as its Mayor from 1975 to 1979. He was avid at golf, bowling, skiing and playing the organ. Industrious, creative and entrepreneurial, he always had a project under way: a business venture, an artistic pursuit or construction project. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Roberta, parents Sylvester and Francis (DeWitt) Arens and brothers Richard, William and James. He is survived by sons: Greg of Stuart, VA, Mike (Renee) of Howell, MI, Steve (Danielle) of Cedar, MI and John (Jody) of Cedar, MI; grandchildren: Danny Arens of Seoul, South Korea; Jenny (Cory) Baker of Holt, MI; Alexandra Arens of Stuttgart, Germany; Jackson Arens, Julian Arens and Jonathon Arens, all of Cedar, MI; great-grandsons, Gabriel and Grant Baker of Holt, MI. A memorial service will be held at a later date.