STURGIS – A long time Sturgis Public Schools teacher and principal has passed away.

Earl Arend passed away January 19 following a short illness at the age of 89.

Arend was born and raised in Baroda, Michigan. While in high school he played basketball and was on the Baroda team that won the 1947 Class D Lower Peninsula Boys Basketball State Championship. After graduating from High School, Arend attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a teaching degree.

Arend married his high school sweetheart Marcia in 1953 and the couple moved to Coldwater where Arend taught Fifth Grade. He was drafted into the Army in 1955 and after two years of service, Arend returned to Coldwater and started teaching again.

In 1957 Arend and his family moved to Sturgis where he taught at Wall School and then Fourth Street School. In 1960, Arend became a Principal at Fourth Street School, and later served as Principal at Wall and Jerolene Schools before retiring in 1992.

In addition to his work and his family, Arend was a tireless worker for the community of Sturgis. He and his wife helped create the Sturgis Neighborhood Program. Arend was also an active member of the Sturgis Exchange Club and helped to organize several Exchange Club projects, including Keep Sturgis Beautiful, Salute To Volunteerism and Adopt A Highway.

Both Arend and his wife were given the Exchange Club's Book Of Golden Deeds Award.

Visitation will be at the Sturgis First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 22 at 9:30 AM. A Celebration Of Life Service will be at 11 AM.