Arthur G. Degnitz

Arthur G. Degnitz, 83, of West Bend, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Aurora Medical Center in Hartford.

Arthur was born on May 31, 1934, in West Bend, the son of the late Walter and Amanda (Bretschneider) Degnitz. On August 3, 1957, Arthur was united in marriage to Dorothy Monn in Whitewater.

"Artie" was a sweet, smart and broadminded man of many interests and abilities.  He was raised in Fillmore, WI in rural Washington County.  As a boy he lived and learned the ins and outs of farm and country living, and lovingly shared this knowledge and wisdom for the rest of his life.  After graduating from West Bend High School he spent the next four years attending UW-Whitewater and serving his country as a supply specialist in the U.S. Army.  At Whitewater he met Dorothy "Dottie" Monn. They were married in August, 1957 and spent the next 60 years living together in West Bend.  Artie had several careers starting as a 28-year employee of the West Bend Company.  A lifetime love of history and antiques led to him becoming the president of the Washington County Historical Society in the 1960s.  In that same period he began serving in county government as a county board supervisor for nearly 20 years and then as Washington County clerk for eight more.  As such he was instrumental in the preservation of the Old Courthouse and Jail complex in West Bend, a proud accomplishment.  In following years Art continued working but also enjoyed many good times with family and friends vacationing in Mexico and Florida, going on rock hunting trips to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, and fishing at his beloved Big Sand Lake in Vilas County.  Meanwhile his gardens and world-class hosta collection brought love and joy to countless friends and loved ones.  Although not officially a "grampa" he acted as one to many, and he was blessed and cheered by his grand assortment of nieces and nephews, their many children, and all the rest of those who loved him.  He always had a smile, a story and a tease for all who knew him...he was his own Work of Art and will be greatly missed.

Those Arthur leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Dorothy; three children, Pamela (Brian) Justman of Fillmore, John (Lisa) Degnitz of West Bend, and Joseph Degnitz of Madison, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by two sisters, Dian (Robert) Donath and Darlene Geidel and a brother, David Degnitz

A memorial service for Arthur will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington Street, in West Bend.

Arthur’s family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home has been entrusted with Arthur’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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