Denise M. Arends, 59, of Austin, Minn., died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Denise Marie Brechtel was born July 10, 1954, in Austin, to Earl W. and Vera R. (Zachgo) Brechtel. She attended Austin Public Schools, and then married Scott Hallman in 1972, in Austin. They later divorced. On March 18, 1978, she married Donovan Arends in Osage, Iowa. The couple made their home in Austin and Denise worked at Mower House, now Smythe Printing. She enjoyed reading, crafts, and crocheting. Denise also held jobs at Cardinal Circle, Cedar Valley Services and Mayo Clinic Health System — Austin as a switchboard operator. Due to failing health, Denise stopped working, and received a lung transplant in June of 2010.

Survivors include her children: Chad Hallman, of Anoka, Minn.; Heather (Muja) Rupam, of Richfield, Minn.; and Darin V. (Sabrina) Arends, of Owatonna, Minn.; eight grandchildren; siblings, Deborah (Dennis) Hansen of Mantorville, Diane Christopherson, a twin brother David Brechtel, Bonnie Brechtel, and Scott (Katy) Brechtel, all of Austin; her dog Scooby; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Vera Brechtel and her husband Donovan Arends on Nov. 25, 2001.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at Crane Community Chapel in Austin, with Reverend Dale Christianson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.