Curtis Jay Arends

August 28, 1962 – December 5, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the final ride of our beloved cowboy, Curtis Jay Arends, on December 5, 2025. The son of Rodger and Martha Arends, Curt began his journey on August 28, 1962, in Webster City.

Curt graduated from South Hamilton High School in 1982, where he was active in 4-H. He left the family farm in 1989 and headed to the Des Moines area when Prairie Meadows opened. There, he worked the track and spoiled the horses for 10 years. His love and compassion for horses eventually led him to Oklahoma City, where he completed all coursework in horseshoeing and blacksmithing in 1990. Upon returning, he became one of the best farriers in the Des Moines area until 2011, when he was ready to settle into the next chapter of his life.

Construction became his next journey. Curt began working with McAninch, contributing to major projects — including the construction of Facebook — where he remained until May 2025. A true outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman, and a talented carpenter.

Curt is survived by his wife, Candi; bonus children, Alex (Courtney) Heaberlin and Devon Jayne; and his granddaughter and best friend, Charlie Heaberlin. He is also survived by his mother, Martha; sister, Julie (Andy) Bennett; nephews, Andy (Candace) Bennett and Matt Bennett; niece, Jennifer (Jon) Taber; great-nieces Raylin Walker and Chloe Taber; and great-nephew Jaxton Walker.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rodger; bonus son, Austin Jayne; and bonus niece, Allison Dalton.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

“The last goodbye’s the hardest one to say. This is where the cowboy rides away.”