LARRY "RIP" ARENDS, age 75, of Ellsworth, died Friday, October 23, 2015, at his home. He was born November 22, 1939, in Ellsworth, to Leona Arends. He attended school in Ellsworth and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1958. Rip served his country in the United States Army from May 8, 1963 to April 26, 1965.
Rip married Mavis Lenz on September 3, 1966, in Slayton. After their marriage, the couple lived in Ellsworth. Rip worked for the Rock Island Railroad which later became Burlington Northern and later Union Pacific. He retired after thirty nine years.
He was a member of Zion Presbyterian Church; and the Ellsworth American Legion. Rip loved playing guitar in his band, The Galaxies. He enjoyed collecting bald eagle figurines, sports memorabilia especially the Minnesota Twins & Vikings, and had a cap collection with over 215 caps.
Rip is survived by his wife, Mavis Arends, Ellsworth; two children, Craig (Heather) Arends, Maple Grove; and Brenda Arends, Apple Valley; two grandchildren, Emily & Gabriel Arends; mother, Leona Parker, Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters, Verna (Jerry) Henriksen, Sioux Falls, SD; and Audrey Chipperfield, Sioux Falls, SD; and nieces, nephews & cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and a brother-in-law, Terry Chipperfield.
A memorial service will be 11 am Tuesday at Zion Presbyterian Church, in Ellsworth, officiated by Pastor Paul Snyder. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial of cremains will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, at a later date.
Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Adrian, is in charge of arrangements.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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