Art’s Obituary
Arthur J. Hart, age 80 of Helena, died Father’s Day, Sunday June 21, 2015. Arthur (Art) was born April 4, 1935, into a large farming family west of Billings, one of 12 children born to George J. Hart and Elizabeth Steinmetz Hart. He attended a county elementary school and Billings Senior High School before joining the active Military Service. He left the Montana National Guard Reserve to enlist in the Army, serving in Korea from December 1953 to October 1955. He finished one year at Billings Business College before enrolling at Eastern Montana College (MSU Billings) to acquire his B.S. in Education; and later at MSU Billings he pursued a MA degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
Art worked as a sheet metal apprentice for 1½ years right after discharge from the Service. He then became a driver for Northern Pacific Transport, which later turned part-time so he could attend MSU Billings full time. After graduation, he became a Social Worker for Yellowstone County for nearly 4 years before becoming a Counselor and District Supervisor for the State/Federal Vocational Rehabilitation program. He and his family moved to Helena in 1971 to accept the position of Chief of VR Field Services. He remained in Vocational Rehabilitation top management for the next 30 years.
Art married Joan P. Eickelberg in Billings on October 18, 1958. They had three children.
He is survived by his beloved wife Joan, daughters, Brenda Davidson (Ron), Bekki Flanagan (Kevin) both of Helena, and Beth Kenney (Ron) of Plainfield, IL. He has seven grandchildren: Shane, Bryan, Jeff, Josh Pam, Siobhan, Shaylene and 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brothers, Alvin and Harvey and sisters, Rosemary and Betty.
He was preceded in death brothers and sisters: John, George, Ruth, Dorothy, Katherine and by his precious granddaughter Baylea Kenney.
He was an avid outdoor person all his life with emphasis on camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and hiking. He was especially proud that over the course of many years, he and his wife Joan taught many children in the Helena area how to water ski. He was an ardent reader and had a deep, compelling interest in computer related activities.
In his later years, he spent much time enjoying his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Even greater time was devoted to his two special needs grandchildren whom he cherished dearly.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Committal rites with Military Honors will be at the committal shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the reception. Memorials in Art’s name may be made to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. MOntana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 1, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Wednesday July 1, 2015
Social Center of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Wednesday July 1, 2015
Committal Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 30, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. MOntana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 1, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Wednesday July 1, 2015
Social Center of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Wednesday July 1, 2015
Committal Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Loni DeLaHunt says
My thoughts and prayers to Joan, Brenda, Bekki and Beth. I remember many trips to White Sandy, Black Sandy and every beach along the way. Best times ever….he was the best water ski boat driver. And the laughs….when we went to the Gates of the Mountains to waterski. I will be thinking of you all, as I have in the past. Always on my mind and forever in my heart!
Julie Massaro says
Our prayers go out to Art’s family. Beth, I remember him as “larger than life” and his loving and caring ways he and your mom took care of Baylea! I can only imagine the reunion those two are having! You are in my thoughts my Friend!
Joe Mathews says
My thoughts and prayers to Art’s family. I was sad to hear of his passing. He was my boss at Vocational Rehabilitation for 14 years and he was the finest boss one could ever ask for. He was kind man who was like a big brother to many of us that worked for and with him over the years. I have great memories of my time spent with Art. My deepest condolences to Art’s family.
Peggy Williams says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Art’s family. I worked with Art for many years, and I especially remember how proud he was of his family and grandchildren. He was a great person!
Jack and Jo Smallwood says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. It is never easy to let a loved one go but may you find peace and consolation knowing he is in a better place.
Joe Taylor says
Art was a strong and gentle person. I have a deep respect for Art and was saddened to learn of his death. The description as a ‘big brother’ is so appropriate-he seemed able to guide anyone. I have enjoyed thinking back on all the memories that were built all those years ago. Grateful for the time spent. God speed Art Hart
Maggie Bullock says
Joan, Brenda, Becky and Beth: So sorry to hear about Art’s death. Art and I worked together for 19 years in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and mostly I remember his fun and entertaining stories about his family whom he loved dearly. Art was also a very kind man. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
Rick Bender says
Dear Joan and family of Art. I was truly sorry to see Art’s obituary in Sunday’s Billings Gazette. You and your family are in my prayers. Yet another Hart cousin has passed on. If I am correct, there are only four of the 12 Hart siblings remaining. I was glad to have seen Art and visited with him at Rosemary’s home following Katherine’s funeral. I learned some interesting things about Art reading his obituary. I never knew he was into water skiing and probably taught his many nieces and nephews how to ski. May the memories of the good and happy times sustain you in the difficult times ahead. My sincere sympathy to all.
Suzanne M. says
May I express sincere condolences to your family and share words close to my heart: Revelation 21:3,4 says that there will be a time in the future when God “will wipe out every tear…and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore”. These words have helped me get through my recent loss. May this promise and fond memories of you loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Friend, and a great Educator be of much comfort to your family.
Joan Gernant says
I know it’s been ages. We’ve lost track of each other, but I remember Art well and also you, Joan. So sorry to hear about your loss. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and comfort you.
Joan (Yost) Gernant, Worland, WY