Cornelis Gerardus Arens

Cornelis Gerardus Arens

November 21, 1940 – July 26, 2026

Some people measure life by accomplishments. Corky measured his by the people he met, the friendships he built, and the joy he found in everything he did. Whether building a successful business, or traveling and spending time with friends and family, Corky believed life was meant to be lived fully. And he did just that.

Cornelis "Corky" Arens passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at the age of 85 surrounded by his children.

Born on November 21st, 1940, in Groesbeek, Netherlands, Corky spent a lifetime pursuing excellence, embracing travel, and making lasting memories with those around him. He immigrated to the US in 1959 and embraced his adopted country. He lived in Michigan for most of his life until discovering the beauty of Tucson, Arizona where he and his wife Elizabeth spent their winters for the last 30+ years.

In 1986, Corky purchased Michigan Roll Form, after having worked there since 1963. He used pure determination and a relentless work ethic to grow it into a successful business. Many of his children worked for MRF at one time or another and he took tremendous joy in building something that would support his family and serve others with quality and integrity. He took pride watching his son, Steve, carry that legacy forward by taking over the business. Corky was the quintessential engineer and continued to design remotely for MRF until his neuropathy made it too difficult to type. He holds several patents and designs still in use today that are just a small glimpse into his brilliance.

Corky loved to volunteer. He was integral in the creation of the Lakes Area Youth Soccer League in the Metro Detroit Area. He loved being a mentor to the small business communities (SCORE) in Detroit and Tucson, he was a judge at the Detroit Science Fair and hosted a “men’s group” at Canterbury on the Lake Retirement Community.

Those who knew Corky will remember his warmth, his sense of humor, and his remarkable ability to connect with people. He never met a stranger for long. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, lending a helping hand, volunteering, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family, Corky had a way of making people feel welcome.

Corky's greatest legacy isn't just found in the business he built; it lives on in the values he passed to his children, grandchildren, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, and generosity.

Corky is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth, and his children, Bridget (Dan) Reynolds, Michele (Rich) Cornwell, Steve (Sandy) Arens, Jenni (Trey) Hiller, JP (Andrea) Arens, Beaver (Kristie) Arens, Chuck (Kari) Selinger and Lisa Crouch; 29 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; his sister Wilma Kosal, brother Ted Arens; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends whose lives are richer because they knew him.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Maurneen, his sister Yvonne Wesley, and brother Mathijs Arens.

The family asks that those wishing to honor Corky’s memory do so by spending time with the people they love, sharing a story, dancing, or shooting the breeze – because that's the kind of life Corky believed was worth living. For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, donations may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to The Avalon of Commerce Township for their care and appreciation of our Dad.

Dad,

Thank you for teaching us the value of hard work, loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love. Thank you for showing us that success isn't measured only by what you build, but by the people you lift up along the way. We will miss hearing your stories, your advice, your humor, and your familiar reminder that you were always enjoying life.

We hope you know that because of you, we are too.

His life was one well lived, well loved, and one that will never be forgotten