Aloysius Anthony Arth (Tony), 91, passed away on June 15th, 2021 at Blackhawk Assisted Living in Spring Hill, KS. He was born on December 4th, 1929 in Kansas City Missouri to Aloysius Lilburn (Bud) and Magdalene Catherine (Bonen) Arth. His dad was killed in a car accident on December 21, 1933, leaving ‘Katie’ to raise Tony and his younger sister and brother. Katie moved the family to Pilot Grove, Mo where they raised chickens, had a cow for milk, an extensive garden and her father butchered a hog for them every year. It was a simple but happy life.
Tony graduated high school from Conception Abbey, in Conception Missouri in 1946, where he played baseball and football, and was the captain of the football team. (He never talked about how his studies went!) He also made a little money on the side by cutting the other students’ hair for “a nickel a head”.
After high school he enlisted in the Coast Guard at the age of 17, needing his mom’s signature to join. He spent the next 4 years serving his country, mostly in the engine rooms of ice cutters and buoy tenders in the Pacific Northeast. His favorite ship was the USCGC Unimak, and always had great stories of his time in the Service.
After his discharge, he attended Finlay Engineering College in Kansas City Mo, and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He retired in 2017 at the age of 87 from Johnstone Supply, where he had been an over-the-road salesperson selling HVAC equipment, parts and supplies. He had many customers on his route that became good friends, and he always looked forward to seeing them.
Tony married Dorothy Pauline Potter on July 4th, 1953, in Kansas City, Mo. He always said that she picked that day because it would be easy for him to remember, and he would always have the day off. They were happily married for 54 years.
Tony was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church from 1989 until his death, and was at the dedication of St. Vincent’s by Archbishop Lefebvre. It was his joy to work and help with the parish wherever he could. St. Vincent’s Academy and Rectory, Post Falls, Franciscan Sisters, LaSalette, flower sales, and mowing at the convent were some of the projects that he helped with.
Tony was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, parents Bud and Katie Arth, sister and brother-in-law Rose Mary and Charles Coughlin, sister-in-law Elizabeth (Morton)Arth, and his young son Paul Anthony, who died in 1961 at the age of 7.
Tony is survived by his daughters Karen Rhodes and Juliana (Kevin) Steuber, Grandchildren Kyle (Andrea) Steuber, Christopher (Victoria) Rhodes, Catherine ‘Cassie’Rhodes, Jason Steuber, his brother Donald (Janice) Arth, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 3106 Flora Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109, on June 21st at 9am followed by a Rosary at 9:30 and Funeral Mass at 10. A Private burial will follow at Mt.Olivet for the family.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the King, 1409 E. Meyer Blvd, KCMO 64131
What a great life and a good story, too!! There were hidden depths to Uncle Tony, and we will miss him. I will remember him as a kind man with a great laugh – fly high, Uncle Tony! Heaven awaits!! All our love, Paula & Terry Riley, and Erin Babcock & Family
Mr. Arth was a favorite gentleman of mine. Kind, sweet, caring … a Renaissance man, so few left! The world has officially become a less kind and beautiful place with the loss of Mr Arth. I loved looking for him after church so we could visit a bit and I loved visiting with his daughter Karen, both so sweet and receptive. This is a very tough loss for earth but a very beautiful game for heaven.
Tony was one of the nicest men that I have known. I will miss his sweet smile and kind ways. Heaven received a jewel .
God bless your family. Tony was a true blessing in so many lives. Your family is in my prayers.
Tony was a kind, humble and faithful servant of the Lord. I remember him making the long Starkenburg pilgrimage at least through his 70s. His sweet smile will be greatly missed. Our prayers are for his soul and his family.
We will always remember Mr. Arth with fondness and many thoughts of his gentleness, generosity, and fidelity to the Catholic Faith. Sending our prayers and deepest condolences to the family. Eternal rest grant unto him , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest In Peace. Amen.