Craig Arends was a brilliantly talented man. His love of art and music pretty much set the stage for what his life would be like and how he would live it. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, September 13, 2021, at his home in Sac City, IA, at the age of 66.

  Craig Lewis Arends was born on November 9, 1954, to parents Claus “Babe” and Donna Greve Arends in Sac City, IA. He attended both elementary school and high school in Sac City. Craig graduated from Sac City High School with the class of 1972. He obtained his Teaching Degree from Buena Vista University and taught Art Education for the Coon Rapids School District for nine years.

  He was a man of many talents and playing the guitar was just one of them. He played in multiple bands throughout his life, traveling to many places to play. In 1983, he played in a band that opened for the legendary Prince. After the show, they all gathered at Prince’s Paisley Park home which was a memory Craig enjoyed speaking of. 

  Art was something Craig was known for. He was able to teach his students about something he had a pure love for which made his job not only enjoyable but also very rewarding. He painted many pieces over the years for friends and family. Craig was such an interesting dude. He loved collecting things, even things that to others might be considered junk. He would find unique things he liked and then dig for information on them. He was a sponge of sorts for so many things in life…history, music, art, culture, etc. In his spare time he also enjoyed fishing.

  Craig’s family meant the world to him and spending time with them was something he was always grateful for. He was blessed with three children: Cale, Melanie, and Angela, whom he loved deeply.  The love they have for their dad will remain in their hearts forever.

  Craig leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Cale (Jen) Arends of Mason City, IA, Melanie Altman of MI, and Angela Arends of MO; grandchildren Laina, Malakai, and Arielle; sister Debbie (Dennis) Dettmann of Sac City, IA; uncle Larry Wolfe of Carroll, IA; aunts Cheryl Karstens of Lake View, IA, and Jan Uren of Arnold’s Park, IA; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members and friends.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, Babe and Donna Arends; and uncle Delbert Arends.