CARROLLTON, Va. — Jason Francis Arens, 34, Carrollton, Va., died July 22, 2023, in Lyndhurst, Va. A memorial service was held Aug. 5 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, Yankton, S.D., with Father Tom Anderson officiating. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton, with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791 and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, Yankton. Jason was born July 21, 1989, in Yankton, S.D., to Bill and Carol (Wubben) Arens. After graduating from Yankton High School in 2008, Jason moved to Rapid City, S.D., to further his education at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he graduated in 2012 with a degree in computer engineering. Immediately following college, Jason enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years. He was a nuclear-trained submarine lieutenant with duties on both the USS Toledo and USS San Francisco.

From a young age, Jason found a love for Lego collecting and building. This passion only grew his entire life, as his collection continued to expand and his sets were always on display. Favorite sets included Star Wars, NASA, and The Lord of the Rings. Jason also logged more than 33,000 miles on his beloved Trek bike. Bike rides started early in life with family rides out to Lewis & Clark Lake, in college up M Hill, and cruising up to 40 miles daily throughout Virginia. His longest measured trip was 101 miles to which he noted “Crazy to try again; What are you thinking; ps Ouch.”

Jason lived a simple and quiet life, and we will miss him greatly. He will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, and hard work.

Jason is survived by his father, Bill Arens of Yankton, S.D.; brother, Steve (Tisha) Arens, Lincoln; sister, Kristi (Adam) Winstead, Papillion; grandmother, Coletta Wubben, Fordyce; four nieces, Addisyn, Leah, Kinley and Eisley; two nephews, Jack and Beckett; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Arens; grandparents, Cyril Wubben, and Ben and Theresa Arens; uncles, Bill Burbach and Joe Arens; and cousins, Austin Wubben and Jeremy Gross.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, which will be used to share the love of Legos in Jason’s memory to kids in need.