Pauline Mae Arends

Pauline Mae Arends, 88, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on March 19, 2022, at Creekside Living in Grundy Center. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until time of funeral service at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Colfax Center Presbyterian Church in Rural Holland. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Pauline was born on July 9, 1933, in rural Grundy County, Iowa to her parents Sicko and Ella (Hippen) Luchtenburg. She was raised in Grundy County and graduated from Grundy Center High School. Later in life she went to Hawkeye Community College and earned her Nursing Assistant Degree. 

Pauline was united in marriage to the love of her life Virgil Lee Arends on October 30, 1951, at the Colfax Center Presbyterian Church. They made their home on their farm in rural Parkersburg for 50 years and welcomed five children into their family. They later moved to Grundy Center. 

Pauline began work at the Farm Bureau as a secretary. She then worked at Grundy County Memorial Hospital as a Nursing Assistant on the OB floor. Later in life, after receiving her certification from Hawkeye Community College, she worked at the Long-Term Care Unit of the hospital. Lee and Pauline were also the owners of the Fern Dairy and Cheese Store. She then worked as a salesperson for Gourmet Express. She was a proud mother and helped Lee on their farm.

Pauline was a long-time member of Colfax Center Presbyterian Church, where she served the church as a Church Youth Group Leader, taught Catechism classes and was a part of the ladies serving group. She loved fishing at Judd’s Resort, sewing, gardening, and playing cards. However, her true joy in life came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Pauline is survived by her children Patti (Mike) Norris of Grundy Center, IA, Sheryl (Leon) Johnson of Parkersburg, IA, Joel (Jeanne) Arends of Clear Lake, IA, Jane (Brian) Schissel of Olathe, KS and Cinda Pankratz (Jason Winters) of Clear Lake, IA; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Virgil; grandson Cory Norris; sister Lillian Flater; brothers Frank and Don Luchtenburg; and son-in-law Tom Morris.