John E. Arend, 100, of Centralia passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Centralia Manor. John was born on October 4, 1921, in Centralia to John P. and Katherine A. (Miller) Arend. He married Doris Betty (Erbe) Arend on April 12, 1947, and she preceded him in death on April 10, 2016.
John graduated from Centralia Township High School and his work as a machinist apprentice was interrupted by World War II. He served three and one-half years in the Army, primarily in the Pacific Theater in the invasion of Leyte (Philippine Islands) in 1944 and in the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. He was awarded a bronze star medal for his service. John was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion.
Two of John’s hobbies were astronomy and telescopes. He built a six-foot-long (ten-inch diameter) telescope for his backyard observatory and a nine-foot-long (15-inch diameter) telescope for Kaskaskia College. The telescopes were completely handmade and most of the parts came from recycled material. He was a perfectionist and could fix almost anything, many times designing his own tool or apparatus when none existed. He was an avid reader, liked classical music, and studied religion. He was baptized while attending the Richview Baptist Church. In his younger years, he was a weight lifter, and he raced and repaired motorcycles.
John retired in 1981, after working over 40 years as a machinist for the Illinois Central Railroad. He had a gentle spirit, a compassionate heart and was always willing to help someone fix something. He will be remembered for his intellect, resourcefulness, and humor.
He is survived by nieces Barbara Oesch of Dalton City, Illinois, and Kathy Knecht of Decatur, Illinois; nephews Charles Erbe of Moweaqua, Illinois, and Kenneth Erbe of Pana, Illinois; special friends Ron and Marilyn Mitchell, Bill Bryant, and Jeanette Storck.
In addition to his wife of sixty-nine years, Doris Betty (Erbe)Arend, he was preceded in death by his parents John P. and Katherine A. (Miller) Arend; and nephew Louie Erbe of Blue Mound, Illinois.
In honor of John’s wishes, no visitation will be held prior to services. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend a celebration of life service that will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel in Centralia with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Centralia VFW Post 2055 and American Legion Post 446. Survivors would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff of Heritage Woods where he resided for three years and Centralia Manor for the past three years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s honor to the Centralia VFW Post 2055 or the American Legion Post 446 and these contributions will be accepted at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of John may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of John Arend with arrangements.
