Don L Arenz

Don L. Arenz passed peacefully December 5th in Elkhart, Indiana at the age of 85. 

The only child of Loren Arenz and Mayneeta Eby Arenz, Don was born September 2, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois. 

He was a graduate of Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri, and Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois in 1963. 

That same year, he married his college sweetheart, Sidney Hamman, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were married for 63 years. 

He is survived by Sidney, son Brett Stocker Arenz of South Bend, daughter Stacy Arenz Fann (Brian), and son Mark Wesley Arenz (Erin). 

Also surviving are grandchildren Katherine Fann Van Valkenburg (Brad), Jackson Stocker Fann (Leah), Lillian Fann, Leah Emily Arenz (Allie), and William Anthony Arenz, and great-grandson Johnathon James Van Valkenburg due December 30th. 

Don earned his bachelor's of fine arts degree at Millikin, later taking a sales position at Container Corporation of America which took him to Ohio, and then Elkhart, Indiana where he settled and raised his family. He coached baseball and was an Indian Guides leader. 

But it is the Boy Scouts of America which most captured his energy and talents in his volunteering. An Eagle Scout himself, Don would go on to found and lead Troop 121 for more than 15 years, mentoring over 30 young men to earn their rank of Eagle Scout, and took his Troop camping every month of the year. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, was a Wood Badge Trainer, and was awarded Scout Master of the Year for Indiana.

Don later went back to college and earned his financial planning licensure and worked for IDS American Express as a financial planner and then worked for Liberty Mutual before retiring and moving to Mishawaka, Indiana.

Don volunteered as a docent at the Snipe Art Museum at Notre Dame, South Bend Museum of Art, and Copshaholm historical house in South Bend, guiding guests on tours and offering his creative narratives and stories to engage the guests.

His energy, mentoring, and love have left an imprint on all he knew. 

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

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