Arthur L. Willaredt, Sr.

Arthur L. Willaredt, Sr. age 93, of Mattoon passed away 9:55 a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Bay Village in Sarasota, Florida.\r\n\r\nArthur was born August 13, 1914, at Granite City, Illinois, a son of Louis and Amelia (Buenger) Willaredt. On November 18, 1937, Art married Sadie Wachter who preceded him in death January 2, 1993. On January 19, 1994, he married Joanne M. Decker, who provided him with loving care and survives him. He is also survived by his son, Arthur Willaredt, Jr. and wife Karen of Mattoon; two grandchildren, Tana Willaredt-Blackwell and Dean Willaredt and wife Meri all of Mattoon; three great-grandchildren: Travis Blackwell, Adam and Sadie Willaredt; and close and dear friends, Mike and Vicki Budde.\r\n\r\nIn addition to Sadie, his beloved wife of 56 years, his parents; one brother, William Willaredt; and two sisters, Ruth Brave and Millie Schwendeman also predeceased Art.\r\n\r\nIn 1946, when Art came to Mattoon, he had a vision of what he could accomplish. With long hours, a dedication to hard work and sacrifice, he saw that dream realized. Art was recognized by all who knew him in business, on the golf course, or in a friendly card game as a man of integrity, honesty and good humor. He made sound business decisions which carried his company through many difficult times. At his full retirement, he left a legacy of convenience stores and gas stations, warehouse and rental units.\r\n\r\nThe winters of his 'golden years' have been spent in Sarasota, FL where he remained active and involved in church and social events. In summer months, he would return to Mattoon and could be found at the Country Club with a smile and a kind word for all.\r\n\r\nKnowing Art was a special gift to all he met and he will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, Jo; his family; and many dear friends.\r\n\r\nArt came off the farm in 1934 and worked as service station mechanic and attendant until 1937. From that time to 1946, he drove a tank truck and moved to Mattoon that year, becoming a Shell Commission Agent until 1952 under the company name of Willaredt Oil Company. Also, in 1956 he established M&W Propane Company which was sold in 1987. \r\n \r\nArt was presented with the Bucketeer Award in 1984 for his 50 years of service to the petroleum industry. This award was well named because his first tank truck job had no pump or meter, and buckets were used to deliver fuel. His full retirement from business came in 1993. \r\n\r\nHe was a Director of the Illinois Petroleum Marketer's Association; Director of Central National Bank from 1971-1993; Charter member of Mattoon Estates who developed the golf course and Rolling Green Subdivision. \r\n\r\nArt was a member and Past President of Mattoon Golf and Country Club, leading the project to install an elevator to provide for handicapped accessibility. Art was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Mattoon and various local bridge groups. Art was a current member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mattoon and an Associate Member of The Church of the Palms (Presbyterian) in Sarasota, FL.\r\n\r\nArt enjoyed sports, especially bowling and golf. He was a renowned bridge player with his '3notrump bid' and could be found around a table in friendly gin rummy games. He was a former Elks Bowling Champion, and 1960 Sarah Bush Lincoln Bridge Marathon Champion.

Tributes

Arthur L. Willaredt, Sr.

August 13, 2014 - October 9, 2007