Arthur Wedel

Art passed away peacefully with his family at his side on May 17th after a long battle with lung cancer. Art was a proud native of the Bronx, New York. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country during WWII in the South Pacific and also served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars until his honorable discharge in 1965. His most memorable assignment was as a Marine guard for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the Shangri-La retreat (currently known as Camp David). He met the love of his life, Helen, on an impromptu blind date arranged by his sister Anne, and he and Helen married soon after on September 3, 1944. Sadly, Helen passed away in 2006 at their home in Novato after 62 years of marriage. Art moved to Petaluma, CA after her death to live with his daughter and her family.

Arthur is survived by his son Art Wedel and wife Susan of Redding, Jeffrey Wedel and wife Donna of Copperopolis, and daughter Lori Wedel-Stoll and husband Fred of Petaluma; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Art is also survived by his adored sister Anne Ryan of Mineola, NY; and brother’s Charlie Wedel of Manitowoc, WI and Richard Wedel of Spring, TX. In 1982, Arthur was predeceased by his son, Gregory Wedel.

Arthur enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved spending time with his family and traveling the globe with his beloved wife. His life was characterized by a tremendous sense of humor and an enormous zest for life that exemplified both courage and kindness. He was a loving husband, father, brother, friend, and grandfather, and we know he is smiling down upon us and will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

Visitation is planned for 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday, May 22 at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin in Novato with a Rosary prayer service at 6 pm. A funeral mass is planned for 1 pm on Saturday, May 23 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Novato and burial with full military honors immediately following at Valley Memorial Park. Please join family and friends as we pay tribute.

Art’s family is extremely grateful for the loving attention that was provided by his caregivers at Hospice by the Bay, especially his nurse Stephanie Diles. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice by the Bay, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur, CA 94939, or online at www.hospicebythebay.org.