John David Arends

John David Arends, age 88, of Bradley passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born October 11, 1936 in Watseka, the son of Lawrence & Betty (Schuler) Arends. John married Clarice Tuttle on June 26, 1965 in Gilman. John was the beloved husband to Clarice (Tuttle) for 59 years and was an extraordinary Father to his four daughters. John enjoyed fishing, camping, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting and music events. He also loved road trips and boating with his family. He was the owner of Bradley Sewing Center, a Millwright for General Foods for 27 years and rounded out his working years at Kirby. You could often find him having lunch with his friends at the Chatterbox Café or enjoying the company of his family. He was a man of faith and took great pride in being a Veteran of the United States Army. John will be remembered for his kindness, great love of family and his unwavering strength. The family wants to extend their gratitude to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, USA Home Care Plus, Home Helpers, and the incredible staff at Uplifted Care. John was grateful for all of his caregivers that had taken care of him during the final months of his life. A special thank you to his long-time caregiver and “buddy”, Lindsay, for her dedication and compassion while caring for John over the last year and half. John was a member of the American Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife, Clarice Arends of Bradley; four daughters, Julie (Jim) Clark of IN, Jill (Scott) Lustik of IL, Jamie (Frank) Wiley of IN, and Joy (Aaron) Harmon of IL; two sisters, LouAnn Froelich and Dawn Arends; one brother, Royce (Sandy) Arends; nine grandchildren, Alexa (Mike) Lichtfeld, Kendall Lustik, Cade Clark, Carsen Lustik, Mia Wiley, Jackson Wiley, Emma Harmon, Maddox Wiley, and Finley Harmon; one great-grandchild, Reese Lichtfeld; brother-in-law, Bob (Joyce) Tuttle of TX; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wayne & Naomi Tuttle; and two brothers-in-law, Raymond Tuttle and Mike Froelich. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6:30 p.m on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Inurnment, with military rites, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care in John’s name.

John David Arends

October 11, 1936 - February 11, 2025