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In Memoriam

Benjamin Franklin "Ben" Arend - Class Of 1945

Benjamin Franklin "Ben" Arend, Jr., son of Benjamin Franklin Sr. (1889-1980) and Leella (Hulett) (1889-1982) Arend, was born 17 January 1927, Alaiedon Township, Ingham County, Michigan.  He graduated in 1945 from Okemos High School.  In high school he participated in both basketball and track.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 30 November 1944

COUNTY CAGERS START FRIDAY

Two league squads who appear to be well stocked in veteran material will make their seasonal starts next Tuesday when Okemos invades Haslett.  Coach Arne Nelmark has Duane Everett, Merlyn Swab, Ben Arend, Bill King, Bob Randall, LeRoy Linn and Basil Piper around which to build his 1944-45 combination and will floor a veteran at every position.

Ben joined the US Marines and was honorably discharged.  He married Judith L. Keen 17 D3ecember 1948, Wayne County, North Carolina.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Friday 18 May 1945

OWOSSO MEET PULLS HEAVILY ON AREA'S PREP TRACK SQUADS

County Teams Going

Howell, the other strong Capital Circuit track squad, goes to Owosso, where Joe Cook in the dashes and Paul Bennett in the hurdles should lead the point-gatherers.  Okemos and Fowlerville, the best of the Ingham county teams, also are headed for Owosso.  The Chiefs have Doug Conklin in the 880, Bob Randall in the hurdles and Ben Arend in the jumps, while Fowlerville depends on Vern McKenzie in the dashes, along with Bob Lyons and Al Harmon, and George Lyons in the high jump.

After military service and marriage Ben came back to Ingham County where he farmed until health forced him to retire.  He died 4 June 1990, North Port, Sarasota County, Florida.  Judy, born 29 August 1930, Virginia, died 13 January 1997, Florida.