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Pepe Arenas
Jose Juan “Pepe” Arenas, 55, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, after a very recent liver cancer diagnosis.
Born on March 18, 1970 in Valle Hermoso, Mexico, Pepe was the youngest of four children born to Rosaura Urrutia Gonzalez and J. Felix Arenas Puente. Not once after his diagnosis did Jose fear or question God; he was only concerned with the sadness that the loved ones left behind would feel. He was brave and trusted the Lord’s plan.
For the last 29 years, Pepe worked for Hackert Family Farms in Ludington. Whether it was shaking cherries, overseeing a crew picking apples, planting new fields, trimming trees in the middle of winter, or any number of other tasks needed at an ever-growing orchard, Pepe loved his job. Each spring he would carefully keep watch as he sprayed up and down the orchard rows, looking for tiny helpless fawns that he could gently move out of harm’s way—a small example of his gentle heart.
When not working, Pepe would occasionally take a summer cruise in his 1962 Ford Falcon wagon and spend as much time as possible with his young son, Luke. Plans for the future always included fixing up the 1964 Ford F100 pickup- a dream that will now be fulfilled by his nephew Nick.
In his final weeks, Pepe was able to reconnect with his daughter Karen and tell her how much he loved her. He was also blessed to have his daughter Nageli fly in to be by his side one week and make the drive a few days later to hold his hand one more time.
He was preceded in death by his loving mother Rosaura in 2023 at the age of 96, and by his father and great friend Felix in 2024 at the age of 87.
He is survived by many people who deeply loved him: his former wife, Trisha Arenas, and 9-year-old son Luke Arenas will forever hold him close to their hearts, as well as his daughters Karen Arenas (grandchildren Valerie and Damian and Nageli Arenas (granddaughter Jaylani).
Pepe also leaves behind his brothers Sergio and Saul Arenas of El Realito, Mexico, and his sister Rosa (David) Rendon of Shelby, Michigan.
He held a uniquely special bond with Rosa’s children — Iracema (Antonio), Jose Luis (Kelly), Consuelo (Alex), Nicanor (Yoanna), and Rosa (Everardo) — and loved them dearly. He also enjoyed having cookouts in Shelby and seeing their children Anthony, Giovanni, Emma, Brayden, Elijah, Abigail, Olivia, Melody, Samuel, David, Adrian, Eliana, Santiago, and Sebastian respectively- all who shared many memories with their beloved Tío Pepe.
Pepe is also fondly remembered by nieces and nephews from his brother’s side. His brother Sergio’s family: Coraima (Raul Peña) and their children Grecia, Gisselle, Grettel and Sergio (Andrea), along with their children Liam, and Dominic.
From his brother Saul’s family: Saul (Yvonne) and their children Ryan, Desirae, and Tatiana, Basilia Arenas and her son Sergio, Jennifer (Johnathan) and their son Johnny, as well as Jaqueline and Joseline. While they lived afar, they will still carry warm memories of their Tio Pepe and the kindness he showed throughout his life.
Pepe’s life was full of hard work, deep love, and quiet acts of kindness. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
A Celebration of Life for Jose will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00am – noon at Grace Funeral Home in Ludington.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, formerly Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.GraceCremations.com
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