Elmer Arens

Elmer Glenn Arens, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Elmer was born in Graafschap MI, on Sept 7, 1931 to Ed and Gertrude Arens. During his life, he served in the US Army, was a hand carver for Baker Furniture and then, owned/operated Brower & Arens Television and Appliance. He spent 25 years in the maintenance department at GE before becoming a State of Michigan electrical and mechanical inspector for nine townships in the Ottawa/Allegan area. Elmer was a member of Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church of Holland. Throughout his life, Elmer loved to learn new things and always kept himself busy. His passions included gardening, hand carving, and wood working. He was an amazing problem solver and spent many hours helping his children with home projects. Elmer frequently recited his favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” He passionately shared his love of Christ by making more than 2,000 three-dimensional wooden “Jesus” plaques that were given to school children and others across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and Michigan. Elmer is lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Betty (Brouwer) Arens; children Elwin (Barb) Arens, Sandy Arens, Pat (Tom) Texer, and Ken (Holly) Arens. Grandchildren, Ryan (Renee) Texer, April (Ken) Sparks, Katie (Brad) Slenk, John (Laura) Arens, Zach (Rachel) Arens, Jack (Angelica) Arens, Samuel (Jessica Petersen) Arens, Joe (Trisha) Texer, Abigail Arens, James (Janelle) Arens. Elmer also has 26 Great Grandchildren. Siblings, sister-in-law Maxine (Arens) Rodenhouse, brothers and sisters-in-law Denny (Emily) Brouwer, Shirley (Glen) Vereeke, Lee Harvey, Judy (Peter) Weber, as well as many nieces and nephews. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Gertrude Arens, siblings, Harold (Cornelia) Arens, Jerry Arens, brother-in-law Corrie (Marie/Theressa) Brouwer, sister-in-law, Rose (Brouwer) Harvey. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:30am April 1, 2023 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St. in Zeeland MI. followed by memorial service at 12:00pm. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Elmer’s honor to your charity of choice. www.yntemafh.com

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Elmer Arens

September 7, 1931 - March 29, 2023