of St. Paul, Minnesota
Passed away Nov. 24, 2018. Survived by his Wife of 33 years, Linda Lewis; Children, Michael (Theresa), Mark (Becky), Mary, and Matthew (Stacie); nine Grandchildren; five Great-Grandchildren; and his Brother, John. Preceded in death by his Parents, Albert and Helen Thesenvitz; his Wife, Darlene; and his Sister, Bernadette. Art’s devotion to his family was matched only by his devotion to his hometown of St. Paul, growing up and raising a family on the east side and spending the last 33 years in the Ramsey Hill neighborhood.
Art graduated from Harding High School in 1955 and received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the College of St. Thomas. He taught social studies in a wide variety of settings, including Harlem, MT, DeLaSalle High School, Burnsville Senior High, Anwatin and Folwell Junior Highs in Minneapolis, and, lastly, as a substitute teacher in South Washington County Schools. A favorite of students, he was known for “cookie day” discussions of current events, developing courses on world religions, and being a great storyteller. His teaching was enriched by his travels throughout the US and to over 40 countries. During his time at Burnsville Senior High, he served as President of the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies and served on the Board of Directors of the National Council for the Social Studies. In addition to his teaching career, he spent 5 years as manager of the group travel department at White Bear Travel.
Art fulfilled his military service in the 1950’s and 1960’s and served his country in the Air Force when deployed to France in 1961 during the Berlin Wall Crisis.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125 with Visitation beginning at 12:00 noon. Interment is at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 10:15 a.m.
Art was a proud season ticket holder and fan of the Minnesota Wild. Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Wild Foundation – Hockey Fights Cancer.