Leonard "Bud" Artz, of Antigo, died Sunday, November 10, 2019, at Maple Ridge of Plover. He was 91 years old. He was born on October 30, 1928, in Mattoon, a son of Emil and Vida (Lane) Artz.
He attended grade school in Mattoon and graduated from Mattoon High School in 1946. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and worked at Seaman Bodies, manufacturing car bodies for Nash cars.
He married Audrey Immel on March 31, 1951 in Milwaukee. She preceded him in death on May 8, 2000.
Bud was drafted into the United States Army in May of 1951 and served in Korea. He was discharged in February 1953.
In 1954 he purchased the family farm near Phlox where he and his wife raised their family. In retirement Bud drove school bus for Malliette Bus Company for 15 years.
In November 2006 he married Audrey Patoka at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Phlox. Together they operated Norm's Motel in Neenah for a number of years. She survives and resides in Plover.
He was a member of the Devine-Menting American Legion Post #525, and St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church, both of Phlox.
He enjoyed listening to polka music and playing cards.
Survivors including his second wife are two daughters, Mary McCarthy (Keith) of Tampa, FL, Sally (Alan) Fleischman of Antigo; four sons, David (Willy) Artz of Whitelaw, Dan (Marcella) Artz of St. Nazianz, John (Ellyn) Artz of Kingman, Arizona, Edward (Mary) Artz of Antigo; 12 grandchildren Jessica (Tom) Boldt, Nicholas (Cathy) Artz, Timothy (Mindy) Artz, Andrea (John) Sveen, Joseph (Joanna) Artz, Rebecca (Robert) DeDominicis, Jill Artz (Donovan), Erin McCarthy (Nick), Shanna (Nick) Sebero, Travis, Gregory and Logan Fleischman; 22 great-grandchildren; two brother-in-laws, James Hersant of Green Bay, John (Carol) Immel of The Villages, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, two sisters, Dorothy (Michael) Upton, Patricia Hersant; a brother, Donald Artz; a sister-in-law Shirley (Eric) Ecklund.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Edmundo Siguenza and Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where Phlox American Legion Post will conduct military rites.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday at the church.
Bud's grandsons who have served in the military, along with a close friend will stand honor guard from 6:30 to 7 p.m. followed by a parish wake service at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Visitation
Phlox, Wisconsin 54464
Service
Phlox, Wisconsin 54464
2 people have supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
I may have memories of Bud that are “Ancient History” today. You see I met him more than 75 years ago in our old farmhouse in Polar. I think he was taking my sister Audrey to his High School Prom. Lots of years past, he and I even dated the same girl. He and I both went to Korea. Then low and behold in 2006 he married my sister Audrey. It was a very beautiful wedding in Phlox and a very fun reception at Chet and Emil’s, a lively and memorable spot in Northern Wisconsin. I had several enjoyable visits with Bud and I am sure he is looking down today knowing he led a loving and giving life. After all he too was a Wisconsin farm boy.
Jack W Wolter
On Nov 10 the world lost a great guy. My mother and "Pops" would play cards with us often. The favorite game was called "Pay Me". The dimes and quarters would fly amidst the moaning and groaning coming from the losers. His comments will never be forgotten as he would tease and say "Oh I love to hear the gamblers cry". Or "Look- I have Kinks" or "Can we stop at Queens?" We had great times Pops. You'll be missed.
Aunt Audrey,
We wish we could have gotten to know Bud. We know he made you happy and that's all that matters. We are sorry that once again, you lost the love of your life. We are sending out our deepest sympathy to you and your extended family.
Love. The Patoka Family
Ed & Mary and family -- Sorry to hear about Ed's Dad. May happy memories help to ease your sorrow. Hugs and God bless! Fred & Char