Arthur F. “Artie” Goldsmith, age 96 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at The Chateau in Batesville. Born March 1, 1927, he is the son of Catherine (Nee: Middendorf) and Albert Goldsmith. He married Rita Kerker on June 9, 1951, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville and she preceded him in death on June 1, 2017.
Artie was an army veteran during WWII and was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271, 33rd Infantry Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Union and the McDonalds Men’s Coffee Club for 30 plus years.
Those who knew Artie considered him to be a “people person”, someone who always had a smile on his face, never met a stranger, and was a true conversationalist with a gift of speaking knowledgeably on many topics. He enjoyed reminiscing about his time spent in the Army and politics. He was very interested in politics at the local, state, and national level. He enjoyed engaging in discussions but would never argue politics with anyone.
His children said he loved to read and years ago he even read the entire Encyclopedia Brittanica three times. He enjoyed watching 60 Minutes and was a Jeopardy fan as well.
Many people remember Artie working behind the meat counter, at the local Kroger Store, for 39 years. They would often comment on how friendly he was and how much he truly seemed to enjoy his job.
Artie enjoyed playing cards, especially 7-up and Oldenburg Rummy, with his family and friends. For nearly 10 years Artie hosted a friend’s 7- Up Card Club at his home at 1:30 PM on Thursdays.
Artie was a kind, caring and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family very much. His daughters said he would give them flowers on their birthdays and would oftentimes even deliver them in person to their workplace. He and Rita enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and rarely missed.
In later years, when Rita resided in a nursing home for 8 years, Artie would visit her twice a day and often bring her ice cream and sweet treats. The children said they were blessed with the best parents, and always enjoyed stopping by their house to visit many times each week.
The kids laugh about some of Artie’s sayings such as: “never buy green bananas” and “eat dessert first and then the main meal”.
He is survived by his daughters Cathy (Paul) Laugle of New Point, Indiana, Connie (Jeff) Bowman, Carin (Toby) Walsman and Carla (Matt) Oesterling, all of Batesville; sons Jim (Betty) Goldsmith, John (Darlene) Goldsmith and Joe (Janeen) Goldsmith, all of Batesville; 21 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Artie was preceded in death by his brother Elmer Goldsmith.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 12th, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. The Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 13th, at St. Louis Catholic Church, with Fr. Suresh Ganta officiating. The burial will follow 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. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Research Hospital. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.