Sweer Arends

Sweer Arends, age 104 of Ellsworth, Minnesota, died Friday, March 6, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society in George, Iowa. 

A graveside service will take place at 9:30 AM, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at First Baptist Church Cemetery, rural George.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 12th at First Baptist Church, rural George with Pastor Jesse Sternke, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church of George.

Sweer Arends was born on December 6, 1921, in Brookings, South Dakota, the son of John Sr. and Mary (Johnson) Arends. He spent his early childhood in White, South Dakota before moving to Lyon County in the 1930’s. He grew up on a farm alongside his 8 siblings.

On June 6, 1945, Sweer was united in marriage to Florence Kruger at the First Baptist minister’s house in George, Iowa. They lived on a farm near Ellsworth, then moved a couple more times to a farm North of Adrian in 1971, before settling in Ellsworth, Minnesota in 2006. Sweer and Florence were blessed with six children.

Sweer was a member of the First Baptist Church in George, Iowa. He enjoyed his life farming. He was a good mechanic and enjoyed overhauling tractors. He worked well with his hands and would do any type of carpentry work that needed to be done. He also enjoyed bringing the grandkids along to help feed the animals.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Sharon Arends of Adrian, MN, Marvella (Keith) Klaahsen of Sibley, IA, Glen (Barb) Arends of Lester, IA, Doug Arends of Sioux Falls, SD, Erwin (Lori) Arends of Little Rock, IA, Marlin Arends of Onamia, MN; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brother, Henry “Hank” Arends of Ellsworth, MN; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence; siblings, Ann Kleinwolterink, Heikelena Harms, Mary Kramer, Harry, John Jr., George, and Raymond.