About
William Arend Obituary
William H. “Bill” Arend
83, Indianapolis went home to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on November 23, 2025. He was born December 13, 1941, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Henry Joseph Arend and Margaret L. (Watts) Arend. His sister Martha Ann Arend Baker (Taylor) preceded him in death earlier this year. He is survived by his wife Janelle Arlene (Weaver) Arend. They were married June 5, 1976, at Fairfax Christian Church, Indianapolis. Also surviving are his daughter Joanna Louise Arend, and granddaughters Ryder MacKenzie Butzlaff and Lillian Janelle Fernandez. Also surviving are brothers-in-law Barry and Roger Weaver.
Bill graduated from Columbus High School in Waterloo, and then briefly attended Northern Iowa University. Starting in 1961, he served his country proudly in the United States Air Force, in Idaho, Vietnam, Hawaii, Illinois, California, and Texas. He finished his military career at Offutt Air Base in Omaha, Nebraska, in the Air Weather Service. In 1988, he began a career with the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), playing a key role in developing emergency planning measures for several Indiana counties, and then retired from the state in early 2012.
Having been an avid muscle-car enthusiast and outdoorsman in his youth, retirement brought new roles as full-time husband, father, and grandfather, caring for home, lawn, garden, and several beloved fur-babies. Several significant cardiac and pulmonary issues brought with them a change in Bill’s interests in his later years. Unable to enjoy camping and going to the races, he transitioned to watching his favorite television shows, sports, and playing card and board games with family and church friends from Ben Davis Christian Church.
Bill will be granted full military honors at a graveside service on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST, at Floral Park Cemetery, 425 N Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46222. Ben Davis Christian Church will be hosting a Celebration of Life luncheon to honor Bill immediately following inurnment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1604 W Morris St, Indianapolis, IN 46221
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