Irene Bernice Arens

Irene Arens, age 80, passed away on January 13, 2018 in Encinitas, California. A resident of Okemos since 1969, she was born to Norwegian emigrant’s John and Ingrid Nygaard in Chicago, Illinois April 7, 1937. She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota, where she received a BA in Norwegian and Sociology. While completing her Masters in Library Science at the University of Minnesota, she met her husband, Al.

Irene and Al celebrated 50 years of marriage just prior to his passing in 2010. They were both very active with Okemos Community Church and Michigan State University. Irene was an accomplished artist, supporter of the arts, and a two-time president of Faculty Folk (now known as the MSU Community Club). She also enjoyed gardening, travel, and spending time at their cottage in Charlevoix.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Al Arens and parents, John and Ingrid Nygaard. She is survived by three children, John (Shannon), Scott (JoAnne) and Linda; four grandchildren, Kelsey, Jacob, Karina and Victoria; and relatives in Norway.

The family had a private burial on Friday, January 19, 2018 in Okemos and is planning a celebration of life open house this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving in memory of Irene Arens to either “The Irene Nygaard Arens Endowed Scholarship” at St. Olaf College, Attn: Connie Albers, Stewardship Office, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057 or the “Irene Arens Faculty Folk Scholarship” Michigan State University, University Advancement, 535 Chesnut Rd. Rm. 300, East Lansing, MI 48824.