Obit: Gaddis, Arthur Edwin #3 (1930 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gaddis, Johnson, Lenig

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 9/17/2014

Gaddis, Arthur Edwin (4 JUN 1930 - 18 AUG 2014)

Arthur Edwin Gaddis, 84, passed away August 18, 2014, at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.

Arthur was born June 4, 1930, to Frank and Lovina (Lenig) Gaddis at Pleasantville, Iowa. He graduated from Curlew High School in 1948. Arthur was united in marriage to Muriel M. Johnson on March 4, 1951. She preceded him in death on March 27, 2014.

Arthur and Muriel farmed in Iowa with his brother, Frank, until 1958 when they moved near Thorp. They continued to dairy farm until Frank moved to Illinois five years later. Around 1963, they purchased a farm south of Withee and continued to milk purebred Ayrshire cows there until their retirement in 1999.

During this time, Arthur also worked as a DHIA fieldman for 11 years. He was very active in the Ayrshire breed organizations and served as a director and officer for many years on both the state and national levels. A highlight for Arthur and Muriel was attending a World Ayrshire Conference in Sweden. He and his family traveled around the Midwest showing cattle at the local, state, and national ranks in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. The Valu-Ayr prefix was well known throughout the country.

After the farm was sold in 1999, he and his wife spent several winters in Texas sightseeing, square dancing, and enjoying the warm weather. During the summers in Wisconsin, until the past few years, Arthur continued to cash crop, helped his brother, Larry, and son, David, with their crops, and helped his son, Kevin, on his farm near Neillsville with crops and the Ayrshire cattle. The Valu-Ayr prefix still is seen around the show circuit throughout the summer.

Arthur and Muriel were both very involved in the county 4-H program for many years. They also enjoyed square dancing around the area and met many good friends that way. Arthur took volunteering seriously and at one time served on nine different agricultural boards. Spending time with his grandsons and great-grandson was always a treat for him as well. He and Muriel were members of the United Methodist Church in Withee.

Arthur is survived by two sons, David Gaddis of Withee and Kevin (Melani) Gaddis of Neillsville; two grandsons, Ryan Gaddis of Neillsville and Dustin Gaddis of Eau Claire; and one great-grandson, Erich Gaddis. He is further survived by his brothers, Frank (Betty) Gaddis, Illinois, and Larry (Helen) Gaddis, Withee; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel; and parents, Frank and Lovina.

A memorial service was held on September 20 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen at 11 a.m. Visitation was from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.