Arthur Louis Wittmuss was born to Louie and Ella (Reckling) Wittmuss near Fairfax, South Dakota on May 30, 1917. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax where he remained a lifelong member. Art graduated from Fairfax High School in 1935 and farmed with his father until he enlisted in the US Coast Guard in 1942.

After receiving basic training in Oakland, California, he was shipped to Brooklyn, New York where he completed diesel mechanic school. Art served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Hunter Liggett in Hawaii and Guam. He was later transferred to the USS PaPaw, returned to the States and laid buoys along the coast near Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Art was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Petty Officer Machinist Mate 2nd Class. In 1946, Art's monthly rate of pay was $100.80. His travel allowance to return home was at the rate of 5¢ per mile. He was very proud of his military service and often told stories about this important time of his life. After his discharge, he became an active member of the American Legion, Post 187, and served as adjutant for 66 years.

In 1948, Art married Viola Weidner at Trinity Lutheran. They remained in Fairfax for their 63 years of marriage. To this union, five children were born.

When electricity became available to rural areas of South Dakota, Art was one of the first certified electricians to wire in and around Fairfax. He later became the co-owner of the local hardware business for over 50 years. Art also served as a substitute rural mail carrier and clerk in the Fairfax Post Office. In his spare time, he continued to do some farming, enjoyed visiting with family and friends, and fished as often as he could.

Art is survived by his wife, Viola, of Fairfax, SD; his children: Linda of Lincoln, NE; Marlene (Gordon) Kotab of Sturgis, SD; Joan (Steve) Swan of Springview, NE; Alan (Sarah) of Vermillion, SD; Lori (Nick) Rodriguez of Hugoton, KS; nine grandchildren: Christian, Jess, Emily, Hannah, Kara, Ella, Alyssa, Joshua and Theo and many wonderful relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Minnie, Selma and Leona.

Funeral services for Arthur "Art" Wittmuss, age 95, of Fairfax, SD will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Fairfax. There will be a prayer service on Friday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the church.