Bernard Calvin Arends

Bernard Calvin (Bernie) Arends

Born September 15,1937-Died November 19, 2024

Bernie was 87 and resided at North Crest Specialty Care in Waterloo, Iowa, for the last 3 months under hospice care. Bernie's parents were Helmer and Leta (Meyer) Arends. He was raised in a small rural town on a farm and attended schools in Aplington and Ackley, Iowa. Bernie met the love of his life and soulmate Joyce Ann Boland. They married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on July 18, 1964. Bernie knew once he married Joyce, he would have an instant family with a 5-year-old daughter. Love over the years proved to be so much more, a true father who was there through the good times, the bad times, the fun times and the ugly times.

In 1969 Bernie started working for the Waterloo Community Schools. After 30 years of service as a maintenance and school bus driver (as needed) until his retirement in December 1999. Everyone knew him for his Laughter, Big Smile and his Beautiful Snow-White Hair. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church since 1964. In his leisure time he had enjoyed being a member of the Aerie 764 Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was on many different bowling leagues. His favorite pastime was sitting watching sports on his TV. His favorite football team was the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed the 4th Street Cruise while reminiscing over the good ole days of yesteryears, time honored classics. He enjoyed camping and traveling in his younger years. In 1975 Bernie helped his nephew Marlyn "Skip" Abbas. In the early 80's he then helped his nephew, Jerry Borland. He took them under his wing and directed them down the right path in life.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce; his daughter Tanjlia "Tanjie" Klinker of Waterloo; nephews, Marlyn "Skip" Abbas of Waterloo and Jerry (Anita) Boland of Cedar Falls; and many other nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother Vernon (Sandra) Arends, sister Elizabeth (George) Abbas; sisters-in-law Ann (Chuck) Bacon and Patricia Boland; and brother-in-law Edward L. Boland Jr.

Service: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Waterloo with an hour visitation to the service. Entombment at Garden of Memories Mausoleum. Arrangements by Locke on 4th. Online condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com.