Barbara "Bj" Arens

Barbara Jo “BJ” Arens of Pequot Lakes, MN, passed away on June 25, 2020. She was born to Edward and Betty Hoy in Minneapolis, MN on November 29, 1951. She graduated with the class of 1969 from Minnetonka High School. Growing up BJ spent summers at Daggett Bay in Crosslake with her family. She married Pat Arens on August 21, 1987.

BJ was a member of SCCA and worked at Donnybrooke Speedway (BIR). Throughout life she was an active volunteer in her communities, being involved in scouts in one way or another, which later led to her involvement in Antlers Youth Group (through Elks Lodge) along with open-mic night. BJ was a devoted wife and mother, an excellent artist and interior designer. Being the owner of Barbara Jo Arens Interiors for over 20 years allowed her to show and use her artistic creativity. She had a remarkable talent. She could remember the specific color and shade of paint and wall covering patterns used in her clients’ projects even years later. Always greeting her clients with a coffee mug in hand and wearing paint stained clothes, she made sure they had a unique experience from start to finish! Her talents and smile will be greatly missed.

BJ is survived by her husband, Patrick James Arens; children: Edward (Heather) Tardiff, Michele Henderson, Marcellus (Laura) Arens, Joseph Arens; mother-in-law, Trudy Sebring; siblings: Mike (Shelby) Hoy, Linda (Earl) Taylor, Cory Manthei (Gino); 11 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

BJ’s family would like to thank all the angels at Heartland Hospice Care.

A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Memorials directed to the family may be mailed to Kline Funeral Home, PO Box 511, Pine River, MN 56474.

“When Barbara put the paper on the wall,

She put the pot of paste in the hall,

She papered all the stairs,

She papered all the chairs,

She even put a boarder on gramma’s shawl.

When Barbara put the paper on the wall,

She spilled the pot of paste upon us all,

Now we all stick together,

Like birds of a feather,

When Barbara put the paper on the wall.”

For melody link to “When Sammy Put The Paper On The Wall.” Frequently sung by Taylor family when BJ was visiting.