Alfred "Al" A. Arends, age 82, of Eagan, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota. Al was born on August 13, 1943 to Henry and Wilhelmina Arends in Kerkhoven, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm in Kerkhoven and was a 1961 graduate of Kerkhoven High School. Al proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Munich, Germany, for three and a half years as a cook. He often enjoyed sharing stories and memories from his time overseas. After returning home from military service, Al met Patricia Mary Manley. They were married on May 6, 1967, in Murdock, Minnesota, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 59 years. In 1972, Al and his business partner, Donald Keesling, founded Mid Tool Co. in Hopkins, Minnesota. As a talented machinist who took great pride in his craft, Al spent nearly five decades doing the work he loved. In 2019, he moved the business to his garage in Eagan, where he continued machining until retiring at the age of 80. Al cherished time spent with his family. He enjoyed camping and ice fishing with his wife, and spending countless hours building and working on race cars alongside his son and grandson. He never missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandsons at their sporting events and found his greatest joy in watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Patricia (Pat); daughter Michelle Tobey; son Steve Arends; grandchildren Michael (Chelsey) Arends, Ricky Arends, Nathan Tobey, and Aidan Tobey; Michael and Ricky's mother Robin Anderson; brother Wayne (Judy) Arends and many extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Wilhelmina Arends; his brother and sister-in-law Henry (Gladys) Arends, and his in-laws James and Arlene Manley.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave., Apple Valley, MN (952-432-2001). A celebration of life luncheon will follow from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Apple Valley American Legion, 14521 Granada Dr., Apple Valley, MN 55124. Casual dress requested.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com