Michael "Mike" Arends

Michael "Mike" E. Arends, 75, of Albion, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Faith Regional Health Services, Norfolk, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28,2026, St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE, with Rev. Matt Gutowski officiating. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #334 of Petersburg, Marines Funeral Honor Guard, and the American Legion Riders. Visitation will be from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Friday at Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE, with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Michael Edward Arends, son of George and Dorothy (Holcomb) Arends, was born April 28, 1950 at Elgin, NE. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Petersburg, NE, attended school at St. John's School in Petersburg and graduated from Petersburg High School with the Class of 1969. After graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1969-1971, earning the rank of Corporal prior to being honorably discharged.

Mike was united in marriage to Karen McBride on November 23, 1973, in Columbus, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Petersburg before later moving to Albion. Throughout his working years, Mike was employed by Pelster Ranch, Lindsay Manufacturing, Henrichs Trucking, White Star Oil, and Niewohner Farms, retiring in 2013. Even in retirement, he remained active, holding various part-time positions.

Mike was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, the Knights of Columbus, and American Legion Post #334 in Petersburg. He took great pride in his service as a Marine, enjoyed trucking, and was a devoted fan of Dale Earnhardt. He loved spending time with his grandkids whether it be for sports or just having Daylight Donut Holes for breakfast. Family was very important to him.

He is survived by his wife Karen of Albion, NE; three daughters: Sheila (Todd) McCready of Albion; Shelly (Shawn) Strain of Genoa, NE; Stacey (Bob) Green of Genoa, NE; four siblings: George (Joanne) Arends of Gering, NE; Tom Arends of Gering, NE; Dan Arends of St. Edward, NE; Jean (Jerry) Scarlett of St. Edward, NE; nine grandchildren: Brandon Arends of Albion, NE; Kaley (Matt) Klug of Albion, NE; Trevor Strain of Lincoln, NE; Scott Johnson of Albion, NE; Racheal Strain of Genoa, NE; Sara Johnson of Spalding, NE; Carter Green of Genoa, NE; Austin Johnson of Albion, NE; Cooper Green of Genoa, NE; three great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Sharp, Callie Klug and Weston Schmeits; sister-in-law: Pat (Rich) Voichoski of Columbus, NE.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents George and Dorothy and two brothers: Dave and Bill Arends; parents-in-law: Tom and MaryAnn McBride; sister-in-law: Marilyn Sharp.