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Petrus Antonius Maria Arts, age 93, servant of God, husband, father, opa and a friend-in-Christ to all, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, the day of rest. Peter was born on May 2, 1930 to Arnoldus and AnnaMaria vd Rijt-Arts in Volkel, the Netherlands and was the 7th of 13 children. Peter led a mischievous childhood that was intertwined with a deep commitment to his Catholic faith. He grew up on the family farm and was 10 years old when WWII began. This precarious boy quickly became a man with the German occupation of his town and the hardships of war that followed. At the age of 15, Peter experienced freedom when his hometown was finally liberated by Allied Forces. These experiences planted seeds of gratitude, duty and patriotism that would grow in Peter's heart. Those seeds emerged 15 years later in June of 1960 as Peter said farewell to his family, boarded a plane with his bride, Mary (Marietje), and set out on an adventure to the United States of America.
Peter and Mary settled in Little Chute, Wisconsin, surrounded by Dutch family and friends who immigrated to the Fox Valley area before them. Peter was a bricklayer and secured immediate employment with Miller Masonry, eventually joining the trade union and retiring in 1992. He was well-known for his attention to detail and his jobs were admired by many. Peter's love for America grew and he was eager to complete the process of establishing U.S. citizenship. On a proud day in July of 1972, Peter and Mary became official citizens of the United States of America. Peter took the love of country seriously and proudly sang the National Anthem wherever it was played. Peter was an excellent provider and role model for his family and held both God and family in high esteem. In his faith community, Peter is best known for his persistent efforts in leading many people to deepen their faith through the Catholic Cursillo movement. He proudly served in the Knights of Columbus, assisted on mission trips to Honduras, was a perpetual Adoration adorer, in addition to singing and playing his harmonica in the church choir. Peter was determined to show his appreciation for the opportunities provided to him by giving back to his community through involvement with many local organizations, most notably the Little Chute Windmill, Kiwanis Club, Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels and many Kermis festivals. Peter's genuine kindness, unmatched sense of humor and thoughtful giving nature were felt by many.
Peter is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary, three daughters: Harriette (Marty) Janssen, Rie-ann (Harold) Jansen and Debby (Todd) Van Boxtel. Nine grandchildren: Elyse (Mike) Lloyd, Jillian (Zach) Friebel and Jenna Janssen, Andrea (Michael) Kioski, Kurt (Gaby) Jansen, Sophia (Wade) Marrs, Juliana (Ted) Gullickson, Lucy and Ava Van Boxtel. Great grandchildren: Alaina, Brooks, Ashtyn, Nora, Sophia, Beckham, Vincent, Riggs, Mack, and Asher. Sisters in the Netherlands: Liny v.d.Wettering, Joke Dortmans and Dre (Leo) v.Esch. In-laws in the Netherlands: Annie DeGroot, Drieka Arts, Margo Dortmans, Harrie (Josefien) Dortmans, Jan v.d. Brand, Hans (Els) Dortmans, and Dora v.d.Wijst and many nieces and nephews in the USA and Holland. Peter was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in-law, Johannes and Drieka Dortmans. Siblings: Johan, John (Gerry), Martien, Theo, Anna (Harrie) v. Kessel, Dora (Theo) Huvenaars, Riet (Barend) Huiden, Antoon, and Lies (Martien) vd Berg. Dortmans in-laws: Frans, Jan (Annie), Wim, Gerard (Thea), Mien v.d.Brand, Isidore, Andre v.d.Wijst.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute, WI 54140, with Monsignor James VandenHogen as celebrant and Fr. Kyle Sladek concelebrating. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 2:00 p.m until the time of the Mass. The Mass will be live streamed at www.stjn.org. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. John Nepomucene Parish or Little Chute Windmill in Peter’s name. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
The family would like to express their sincere thank you to Peter’s long time caregiver, Denise Maas, for taking such excellent care of Peter and providing him with friendship and fun. We would also like to thank HomeInstead Senior Care and Compassus Hospice for their help and guidance.
“Houd oe mar taai” |
1930 - 2024 (93 years)
