Aloysius Vernon Arens

Arens, Aloysius Vernon 81, of Sun City West, AZ, died July 15, 2025. Al was born Jan 4, 1944, in Adrian, MN, the son of Matthew and Martha Arens. A proud graduate of Loyola High school in Mankato MN (class of 1961) Al enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduation. He served his country while stationed in Greece, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Following his time in the service, Al studied agricultural business administration at the University of Minnesota. He then began a successful career in commercial construction. Al was known as a diligent worker and a talented negotiator, becoming financial advisor for LIUNA Local 563 and retiring in 1999 at age 55. Al loved the American West, and he enjoyed many of the golden years of his retirement in Arizona. His passions included hunting big game - buffalo, elk, deer - playing golf, wood-working, and being by far the most competitive player at family card games. Al respected those who could turn a wrench, who knew how to drive a hard bargain, and call a bluff. He valued authenticity: he saw the best in people, but he could spot a phony a mile away. He had a way of making you feel like the best version of yourself when you were with him. He exuded a cool, quiet confidence, but he didn't like to brag. He didn't need to. His personality showed up in the self assured way he carried himself. His booming laughter was contagious. Al was the kind of guy who would take his Jeep off-roading in the Sonoran Desert, but go out of his way to spare a blooming violet lupine. His bedroom walls were adorned with his grandfather's rifle and a bow he used to claim six deer, while his bedside table displayed his intricate wildlife carvings. During his life, Al also knew trial and heartache. Out of the depths of these most difficult chapters, he always emerged strengthened. When Al was young, growing up on the farm, his father's vision faded and finally flickered out. Al shouldered the burden of picking up the slack on the farm. Serving as his dad's eyes and hands, Al learned about mechanics, animals, weather, crops. Because of this upbringing, he could fix or repair most anything he came across. As a younger man, Al struggled with alcoholism. Cleaning up his life, he became deeply involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. Throughout his 35 years sober, Al dedicated himself to helping others overcome their addictions. His wife Judy endured a long and painful illness, and Al battled alongside her. In the grief following her death, Al sought out a group for those dealing with loss. It was there that he met Diane, his wife and partner whom he loved for the rest of his life. Al wouldn't have said these things about himself - except, maybe, to tell you about the time he nabbed his trophy buffalo. He wrote this story through the life that he lived, and the person that he was. Al wasn't one to leave behind his sentiments in a heartfelt letter. His legacy will instead be felt by those blessed to have known him, in every kind deed, act of generosity, word of encouragement, and helping hand he gave. Al is survived by his wife Diane and their furry companion Annie, his daughter Angie (Effertz), 6 sisters, many nephews, nieces, and extended family & friends. Memorials preferred to Second Harvest Food Bank.