Dr. Ray William Arensman, 91, of Evansville, passed away Friday, June 28, 2013, at his home. He was born October 14, 1921, in Huntingburg, IN, the son of William and Ada Arensman.
He attained a Bachelor's degree from Evansville College and underwent Naval training at Columbia University prior to serving from 1943-1946. He was a Lieutenant on a destroyer escort. He married Helen Mae Lukemeyer in 1946. He taught in Salem High School prior to continuing his Master's and Doctoral studies at Indiana University. He remained on the faculty for three years prior to becoming the Dean of the School of Business at the University of Evansville. He was named the Outstanding Professor, and had numerous appointments to boards including Miller Block, People's Savings and Credit Thrift. He loved music of all kinds, played in five bands, and founded the big band, The Temple Airs. This group participated in fundraising for not-for-profits in excess of four million dollars. His community leadership was honored by the Rotary Civic Award by the Evansville Rotary Club in 2006.
Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Mae Arensman of Evansville; daughter, Ann Rice (Dr. Patrick Rice) of Cranbrook, BC Canada; son, Dr. Frederick Arensman (Barbara) of Louisville, KY; grandson, Drew Rice (Cara) of Vancouver, BC Canada; granddaughters, Dr. Amy Doetsch (Dr. Alex Doetsch) of Twin Falls, ID, Dr. Allison Arensman of Hanover, NH and Emily Arensman of New York, NY; and great-grandchildren, Clara and Morgan Doetsch and Olin and Marlow Rice.
Services were 1:00 PM Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at the Methodist Temple, officiated by Rev. Stephen Beutler, with burial in Fairmount Cemetery in Huntingburg, IN. Friends visited Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel and Tuesday from 12:00 PM until service time at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 14, 2013
Our condolences to you, Mrs. Arensman. We have many memories of you and our parents, Roxie and Ralph Coleman. We especially enjoyed the article about The Temple Airs. How proud Dr. Arensman must have been for helping generate so much financial support for charities. We are thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
Nancy Maulding (Branchburg, NJ); Sara and Stan Fryer (Columbia, SC)
July 3, 2013
A real gentleman and fine professor.
July 2, 2013
The Children of Harold and Margaret Rice
We were fortunate to get to know Ray through the marriage of his daughter Ann to our brother, Pat. He and Mae became fast friends with our parents, and really became part of our extended family. Ray was quite a character and all of us enjoyed engaging in conversations with him. Truly, his passing leaves a big hole in all our lives.
July 1, 2013
Judy Garrett
I was sorry to hear about Rays passing. I sang with the Temple Aires for a number of years and considered all of the band my extended family. Ray was such a kind and gentle man with a passion for great music. My prayers go out to his entire family. He will be missed by so very many people. God Bless!
July 1, 2013
Carol Elliott
So few people contributed so much, for so long, to community as Dr. Arensman. Always that same smile. Our thoughts are sent to his family and all those that were a part of his life for many years. A defined legacy will sprinkle the soil and there will be a new twinkle in the sky. His son, Fred, was the best man in our wedding.
David & Carol Elliott
Scottsdale, AZ
July 1, 2013
Laura Weaver
My sympathy to Mae and the family. Ray was truly an original. We'll miss him in the UE emeriti faculty group.
July 1, 2013
Russ & Debbie Crawford-Arensman
We're very sorry to hear about the passing of Ray Arensman. Our condolences to Helen and the family.
Ray and Helen stopped to visit us in Hong Kong while we were living there during the late 1990s, and they were passing through on an Asian cruise. It was an unexpected surprise to get the chance to meet members of our extended family while living so far from home.
Ray also was kind enough to give us a copy of an Arensman genealogy book that he had researched and written, which was both educational and interesting.
We only met that one time, but it was memorable, and a pleasure. Ray was a real gentleman and we're glad he took the time to look us up and introduce us to some of the Indiana Arensman family.
July 1, 2013
Glen Bowling
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 1, 2013
Jane Koch
It was truly a pleasure to know Dr. Arensman. He was always seemed to be enjoying life, learning, and sharing his wisdom. He will be missed. My condolences to Mrs. Arensman.
July 1, 2013
Leonard Borman
My deepest sympathy to Helen and her family. Ray was respected and admired by all who know him. His Dubois County family was proud to say he was our cousin and friend.
Leonard "Buck" Borman
June 30, 2013
Marquitta Sisk
I am so sorry to hear of loss of your father. You have my deepest sympathies. God Bless You and Your Family.
June 30, 2013
BILL & PAT ANTHIS
We wish to extend our sympathy at the passing of a distinguished person and great friend. Bill and Pat Anthis
June 30, 2013
wes bowers
what a magnificent human being! He will be missed.
June 30, 2013
Dwight Nestrick
My heartfelt condolences to the Arensman Family. Dr.Arensman, Ray, was an outstanding scholar and gentleman. When I was an officer at People's, Dr. Arensman was on our Board and a wonderful business mentor to me nd others. Ray was a wonderful man and all of Evansville will miss him.
June 30, 2013
Carolyn (Weigle) Vanover
Dr. Arensman was my teacher at Indiana University. I was a business ed. student and graduated in 1959. He was a wonderful teacher and friend.
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Alexander Funeral Home-East Chapel2115 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714
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