David "Dave" Patrick Arends

David "Dave" P. Arends, 69, of Albion, NE, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at his home in Albion, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Petersburg, NE with Fr. John Norman and Deacon John Starman officiating. Interment will be at the parish cemetery with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #334 of Petersburg, NE and the Navy Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for a later designation.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

David "Dave" Patrick Arends, the son of George John and Dorothy Gene (Holcomb) Arends, was born on July 21, 1952 at Elgin, NE. Dave grew up in Petersburg and attended elementary school at St. John the Baptist School. Dave then attended Petersburg High School and graduated from there in 1970. On February 14, 1973 Dave was inducted into the United States Navy. He served on the USS Flint until his honorable discharge on December 8, 1975.

Dave was united in marriage to Radene Naeve and made their home in Petersburg, NE. To this union two children were born: David Joseph in 1978 and Kristina Renee in 1982. The couple later divorced. In the early 1990's Dave began a 30-year relationship with his life partner Nancy Reicks.

Dave held a number of different jobs throughout his life including working as a plasma cutter for 38 years at the Lindsay Corporation and retired from there on January 3, 2020. Dave was a member of the American Legion Post #334 of Petersburg, NE and was a member of the Catholic faith. Those who knew Dave knew he was a car and racing enthusiast. He enjoyed going to both local and Nascar races as well as collecting cars and attending car shows. Dave was a skilled mechanic and enjoyed working on cars, especially his kids' and grandkids' cars. Most of all though, he loved his family and spending time with them.

Dave is survived by his life partner: Nancy Reicks of Albion, NE; five children: David Arends of Petersburg, NE; Kristina (Dustin) Guthard of Petersburg, NE; Shannon (Mike) Tupe of Lincoln, NE; Kim Reicks of Grand Island, NE; Buddy (Shalysse) Reicks of Amherst, NE; nine grandchildren: Caydence, Ashlynn, Kynlee, Dylan, Devan, Andrejs, Teddy, Kambrie, and Kaine; six siblings: George (Joanne) Arends of Gering, NE; Thomas Arends of Gering, NE; Mike (Karen) Arends of Albion, NE; Bill Arends of Petersburg, NE; Dan Arends of Petersburg, NE; Jeanie (Jerry) Scarlett of Columbus, NE; other extended family members: Mary Ann Mescher; Jim (Alice) Mescher; Fred (Connie) Mescher; and Kate (Dave) Seier all of Albion, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Dorothy Arends.