Ben and Theresa Arens returned to Orient for the 125th Celebration, held July 6, 7 and 8. They also enjoyed having all their children, 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with them to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary, July 8, 2012. The whole family attended Mass together Sunday July 8 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where the Arens were active parishioners for many years.
Ben and Theresa (Brand) Arens were married July 8, 1946 in St. Helena, Neb.. and lived there for 1 ½ years. They moved east of Orient in 1948 where they farmed for 46 years before moving to Yankton in 1994.
They are the parents of 13 children and have 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. They are members of Sacred Heart Church in Yankton and are active in the Yankton Senior Center. Ben and Theresa look forward to their trips back to Orient for visits.
Sons Paul and Louie Arens and Michelle hosted their parents, Ben and Theresa Arens, Yankton. Family members present included and their brothers and sisters, as follows:
Vernon and Sandy Arens, Yankton, Jeff Arens and daughter Natalie, Coon Rapids, Minn., Julie and Matt Wesch, Bryson, Tyler and Gemma, Freemont, Neb.
Delores Ballert, Lead, and children, John Ballert, Yankton, Taylor Ballert, Lead, Veronica and Jason Lafayette, Tate and Rose, Belle Fourche, Kevin and Christie Ballert Spearfish,
Bill and Carol Arens, Yankton; Len Arens, Yankton; Mary (Arens) and Jim Suing, St. Helena Neb.
Mike and Tara Arens, Tabor and Tristan, Yankton; Jim and Donna Arens Yankton, Heath and Jaclyn, (Jim’s twin brother Joe died in a car accident in 1992).
Tom and Terri Arens and Adam, Yankton; Rita (Arens) Nelson, Laura and John, Mission Hill, S.D. and Kathy (Arens) and Paul Henja, Emily and Rachel, Yankton.