John Arenz Sr.

John was born on May 15, 1933 in Marquette to Charles H. and Nellie (Walsh) Arenz. He was a graduate of Bishop Baraga High School. He attended and graduated from Northern Michigan University and the University of Michigan. He was a life-long Marquette resident.

John served in the U.S. Army for two years and was honorably discharged.

John married Aleta C. Bell on July 15, 1972 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette.

John entered the Marquette Public School System as a teacher and then principal in 1956. He was a beloved principal of Parkview Elementary School for 26 years. As a principal and mentor he would meet each child where they were at and encourage them to be the best they could be for their future. John was also well respected by teachers and all who worked with him. He retired in 1995 after 39 years of educating. John was a member of the Michigan Education Association and National Education Association, as well as a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

John was a gifted speaker and storyteller. He was most proud of speaking at his cousin Joe’s 90th birthday party (10 years ago), with hundreds in attendance, where John received a “standing ovation.” As recently as last year John gave his final presentation at Peter White Public Library, where he spoke about the 1931 Marquette Prison riot, where his father was a prison guard at that time… It was well received by everyone in attendance. Whenever John was complimented on being a great person, he would always quote a saying from his mom, “give the world the best you’ve got, and the best will come back to you.”

During the past few summers, John could be seen riding his Zoomer “motorized wheelchair,” to Hardee’s or McDonalds to meet the guys for coffee. John was also an avid walker and could be seen walking the Dome or at the Westwood Mall. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran and was honored and humbled when someone would “thank him for his service.” John was an avid reader in his younger years, and in later years relied on services from Great Lakes Talking Books (Library for the Blind).

John is survived by his son, John L. (Barbara) Arenz Jr. and brother-in-law, Richard F. Bell.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Nellie Arenz; wife, Aleta Arenz; sisters, Patricia and her husband John Birch and Nancy A. and her husband David Gass.

John’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, March 14, 2025 at St. Michael Catholic Church beginning at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. A luncheon will follow the mass. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Tonia Bickford at Great Lakes Talking Books for her kindness and dedication to John and making sure John received books on tape weekly. Also a special thank you to Father Dan Moll, Sister Rosalie Hughes and Paulita Korby for their continued support, prayers and friendship. Another special thank you to John’s friend and care-taker for the last few years, Nick Thierry.

John had an amazing life filled with wonderful experiences and stories he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. It should be noted that pretty much everyone he met, became a friend or loved one due to his friendly nature and kindness. With John’s quick wit and sense of humor. He would tell us, that as a boy growing up, he would always say, “Hail Mary, full of grace, let Johnny Arenz win the race!” Johnny Arenz has finally won the race! Johnny will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in John’s memory to Great Lakes Talking Books, 1615 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting John’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.