Arthur H. Laehn

“Lay the green sod on me, carve my name in stone. Lay the green sod on me, this soldier has come home.”

Art entered eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ on December 26, 2006. He was born to Ernest and Martha Laehn in the Cicero Township, Outagamie County on July 2, 1919. He married Beatrice Wolff on September 26, 1946 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Mom entered eternal life on December 22, 1987. Leaving the family farm, Arthur served his country as a Surgical Technician in the U.S. Third Army for three and one-half years during World War II. He fought to save lives during a tragic period of history, including experiencing the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Art cared for survivors from liberated German concentration camps. He was honorably discharged with the rank of T4 Sergeant.

Art was active in God’s work throughout his life. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black Creek, WI, and served as the President of the congregation. Art served as President of Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Shawano. He served on the founding board that established Fox Valley Lutheran High School and spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new high school. Art served as Treasurer and a Civil Defense Volunteer for the Village of Black Creek. After moving to the cottage, he became a member of Friedens Lutheran Church in Bonduel, serving in the choir, as an usher and as an Elder. He was currently a member of Riverview Ev. Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI

Art, along with Beatrice, owned and operated Laehn Floor Covering Company in Black Creek for 25 years. He began a successful new career in 1980, selling cancer and intensive care insurance for AFLAC. In 1981, Art and Bea moved to their cottage on Cloverleaf Lakes in Shawano County. He had a special love for children, which prompted him and Beatrice to adopt three children. Arthur loved God’s great outdoors, enjoying fishing, observing and preserving nature and caring for wildlife. His extra care for the birds and animals around his lake home will be fondly remembered.

Art never really retired, serving many of his AFLAC clients until his death. He wrote a book titled “My Life as I Saw It”, which shares his life and love for Jesus Christ with all who read it. Dad, your love, friendship and Christian example of living life will be missed by all of us.

Arthur is survived by three children: Dawn (Lance) Soukup of San Mateo, CA, Larry (Mary) Laehn of Greenville, Wisconsin and Julie Laehn of Appleton, Wisconsin. Art’s five grandchildren, who will miss his laughter and hugs, are Angela Laehn, Nicole Steffens (fiancée Nick Gutermann), Matthew Laehn, Kelsey Steffens and Jessica Laehn. He is survived by numerous friends and relatives.

Please join Art’s family in a celebration of his life from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 28, 2006 at the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri County Chapel, 3212 S. Oneida Street. The Christian Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 29, 2006 at RIVERVIEW EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 136 W. Seymour Street in Appleton with Rev. Dennis Belter officiating. Friends may gather at the church on Friday after 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. A memorial fund is established for Fox Valley Lutheran High School and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Cherry Meadows Hospice. They cared so very well for dad, and their kindness will never be forgotten.

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920 831-9905