Norman Vernon Arends, 82, died at his home in Austin Saturday afternoon, April 23, 2011.

He was born April 19, 1929, to Roland and Edna (Thompson) Arends in Chester, Iowa. Norman grew up in the Leroy area and at the age of 17, enlisted in the Army in January 1947. He completed basic training in St. Louis and married Genevieve Berning on March 28, 1947, in Spring Valley. They resided in Port Townsend, Wash., while Norman trained at Fort Warden. He was promoted to Corporal and transferred to the Marshall Islands in 1948 for Atomic Bomb testing. He worked for Geo. A. Hormel & Co. for 33 years and for seven years at 21st Century Genetics in Stewartville. A member of First United Methodist Church and the American Legion, Norman enjoyed the outdoors and country music. He had a remarkable memory, an uncanny ability to remember dates and times. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. It was his wish that his body be donated to Mayo Anatomical Department.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Genevieve of Austin; two daughters, Janette (Wylie) Hovey of Rochester, Starlette (Mory) Johnson of Austin; son, Rodney (Sandy) Arends of Lonsdale; 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Steven (Diane) Arends of Preston; sister, Kathy (Charles) Dorenkemper of Waterville; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Donavon; brothers, Norland and Raynard; sister, Rosella.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with The Reverend Patricia Toschak officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Bloomfield Cemetery in LeRoy at a later date with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. The family prefers memorials to First United Methodist Church or donors choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.