Robert Artes

 

Robert Artes, 94, of Britt, Iowa passed away Monday, February 21, 2011, at Hancock Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services for Robert will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Britt, Iowa.  Burial will immediately follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 25, 2011, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Robert Berdell Artes, son of Walter and Louise Artes, was born on May 28, 1916 at Ionia, Iowa. Bob graduated from Ackley High School in 1934 and Gates College of Business two years later.

Bob was united in marriage to Kathleen Arends on June 22, 1941, in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was called to duty for his country and shipped out on November 24, 1942, on the S.S. Queen Mary for England.  Bob served overseas for nearly four years before returning home to his family. He served in the Army Air Force 336th Squadron. During his stay in the service he received three promotions.  His last rank was Sergeant.

When Bob returned home from England he and Kay settled in Britt, Iowa, where he owned and operated Artes Produce, retiring in 1973. Bob was an active member of numerous community organizations.  Bob was the oldest member of First Lutheran Church in Britt where he worshipped for over 65 years.

Bob had many interests and hobbies.  He had a passion for fishing that included annual trips to Canada as well as when he introduced his new wife to his favorite pastime on their honeymoon. Golfing, traveling, playing cards with friends, keeping a watchful eye on his two farms in Hancock County, and spending 27 winters in Florida kept him busy. Bob never seemed to have an idle moment. His catnaps were the fuel that kept him going as he headed out to a new project. Sitting still was not an option in his full and rich life. Bob had a strong faith that followed him wherever he went.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kay, of 70 years; their three children: Tom Artes (Carol), Carol Haugland (Larry), and Jim Artes (Monica); grandchildren: Kristie, Jason, Shanna, Ashley, Jordan, Meghann, Katie, and Erin; great-grandchildren: Dianna, Alexandra, Cassandra, Andrew, Robert, Abby, and Sean; sister: Frances Kurth.