Lois Lynne Arends

Lois L. Arends, age 64, of Red Wing, formerly of Hastings, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Lois was born on April 6, 1961, in Hastings, Minnesota, to Earl and Lorraine (Erickson) Arends. She was the youngest of seven children and proudly the baby of the family. From an early age, Lois had a deep love for animals and the outdoors, a passion that stayed with her throughout her life. In her adult years, her cats, Romeo and Julien, whom she called “her boys,” became especially dear to her.

Lois grew up in Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School. She went on to attend St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota, earning her bachelor’s degree. She began her career with Dakota County and later moved to Washington County, where she spent the majority of her working years as a correctional officer. Though the job came with its share of hardships, Lois was strong, steady, and deeply committed to her work. Along the way, she formed many close friendships that remained by her side through the end of her life.

Lois had a good sense of humor and a bit of a stubborn streak. She found joy in the smallest things and was easy to shop for because she truly appreciated every gift. She loved kayaking, spending time at her friends’ cabin, hunting with her dad while growing up, and many wonderful trips with her mother. Music was another of her great loves, and she enjoyed all genres. Above all, Lois cherished her family and friends and had a very big heart.

She is survived by her siblings, Kathy (Thomas) Ahrens, Lynda (Peter) Peine, Julie (Michael) Olson, Peter Arends, and Ginger Downey, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Lorraine Arends; brother, Steven Arends; brother-in-law, Timothy Downey; and her nephew, Jamie Sadie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN, 55033, on Monday, January 19, at 12 p.m., with a visitation from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. A reception will follow the service. Burial will take place at Basswood Cemetery in Denmark Township.

Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is handling the arrangements.