Dorothy J. Arens

Dorothy J. "Dottie" Arens, 77, of Punta Gorda passed away May 22, 2010. She was the daughter of Earl and Vida (Holman) Keeling, born April 6, 1933 in Toledo, OH. Dottie worked as a saleswoman in various boutique stores through the years; she was also a teacher with Fred Astaire Dance Studios and enjoyed the wonderful opportunity of dancing with Fred Astaire himself on one occasion. She moved to Punta Gorda from Lake Worth, FL in 1985. Dottie and her husband, John, were very active members of Faith Lutheran Church. She showed unending energy and dedication in all she did, and was always the first to volunteer for any job. She and John were considered the backbone of the church, working faithfully in the background. Dottie will be greatly missed by her husband of 54 years, John W. Arens; daughter, Melanie Bergen of Wakefield, RI; sister, Lucille (Jack) Turley of Dothan, AL; brothers, Arnold (Ula) Keeling of Weirsdale, FL and James Keeling of Toledo; sister-in-law, Barbara Keeling of Summerfield, FL; and grandchildren, Chani and Erin. The family will receive friends 10:00-11:00 am Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at Faith Lutheran church with the service in celebration of Dottie's life beginning at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice, 1144 Veronica St, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.