Michael John Arend peacefully passed away at his home in Rochester, Minnesota on Friday, July 8, 2011.  He was born on December 7, 1951, in Rochester, Minnesota, the second son of Ray J. Arend and Mary T. (Schaefer) Arend.  He attended St. John's Elementary School in Rochester, St. John's   Preparatory School in Collegeville, Minnesota, and graduated from Mayo High School in 1969.   Mike graduated in 1974 from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture.

In 1978, Mike began A & A Landscaping Company in Rochester with long-time friend Bob Abolt.  Mike left indelible evidence of his talent and hard work all over Rochester; planting trees and flowers that flourish today at many familiar Rochester sites including Madonna Towers and High Point Condominium.

Mike and Kristy Ellen Juergens (Arend) of Rochester were married from August 30, 1980 until 2000.  Their two wonderful children are Andrew Ray Arend and Kayla Marie Arend, also of Rochester.

Mike was known for his sense of humor, sharp wit, infallible mechanical abilities, curiosity and intelligence.

Being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1993 commenced a tragic struggle from which he is now released.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ray J. and Mary T. Arend.  He is survived by his brother Richard R. Arend (Carol) of Rochester, his beloved children and their mother, Kristy.

Friends may visit with the family an hour before Mike's memorial service at 2 PM on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St SE, Rochester.

A private interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.  Those who wish may honor Mike's memory with a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for innovative Parkinson's research.