Arthur R. Wilhelm, age 85 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, peacefully with his daughter and son at his side. Born May 21, 1938, in Batesville, he is the son of Carl and Clara (Nee: Bedel) Wilhelm. He married Adele Wittekind on August 28, 1965, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Norwood, Ohio and she preceded him in death on March 8, 2023.
Faith and family were Art’s priorities. He was a loving husband to Adele through their 57 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Amy and Jeff and cherished the time spent with his two grandsons, Luke, and John.
Art loved his home on Columbus Avenue and enjoyed sitting on the front porch, watching the world go by. He was a man who took pride in what he had, took good care of it, and displayed it for the world to see. Whether it was his cars, his landscaping, or his home, you knew it would be kept up to his high standards. His dedication and loyalty were evident in all aspects of his life—his Marine service, 38 years of employment as a Machinist at Bonn Aluminum in Greensburg, Indiana, witness to his faith, service to his Church, and devotion to his family.
Art was a simple man who was a friend to all who knew him. He had a way to brighten the day of any and all who came in contact with him. His character and morals were unwavering, yet he was kind and compassionate. Through his many years of health challenges, he was not one to complain about his situation. Instead, he shifted the focus off himself and was interested to hear about your life. He had a way of always seeking and finding the best in any day, person, or situation.
Art was a proud veteran who served his country in the Marine Corps. His unwavering commitment to his faith and family can be summed up by the Marine motto, Semper Fidelis, which means “always faithful.”
For the past eight months, Art enjoyed having Ron “Simmy” Simpson as his roommate at St. Andrew’s Health Campus.
He is survived by his daughter Amy (Jeff) Lawson of Maryville, Tennessee; son Jeff Wilhelm of Sunman, Indiana; grandsons Luke and John Wilhelm; sister Helen Eckstein of Batesville; brothers Alvin and Robert “Bob” Wilhelm, both of Batesville. In addition to his parents and wife Adele, he was preceded in death by his brother Edward Wilhelm.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 4th, from 8:00 – 10:45 a.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., at St. Louis catholic Church in Batesville, with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. The burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. The family requests memorials to the Wilhelm Grandchildren College Education Fund (Checks made be made to Jeff Wilhelm) or the St. Louis Church Religious Education Fund. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.