Arthur N. “Art” Middendorf, age 75 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully in his loving wife’s arms on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Greg Paffel officiating and Rev. Tim Wenzel concelebrating. Interment was at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre.
Arthur Norbert Middendorf was born June 17, 1940, in Melrose to Joseph and Veronica (Toenyan) Middendorf. He grew up on the farm with his eight brothers and two sisters. He attended and graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1958. After school, Art continued to work on the family farm and served in the National Guard for six years. He married the love of his life, JoAnn Welle, on Sept. 5, 1964, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Together they continued the life that Art grew up with and raised their family on the farm outside of Sauk Centre. Art shared his farming wisdom with his boys and helped them as they started farms of their own. Art enjoyed watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sports and cheering on the Minnesota Gophers Men’s Basketball. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards and casino trips. Faith was of utmost importance to Art and he is remembered for his dedication to serving his church and Lord and Savior.
Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, JoAnn Middendorf of Sauk Centre; children, Judy (Shawn) Fridgen of Nelson, Diane (Brad) Gillingham of Minneota, Allan (Ann) Middendorf of Long Prairie, Joyce Knoblauch of Monticello, Donald (Carolyn) Middendorf of Long Prairie, Lori (Craig) Sunder of Sauk Centre, Randy (Nancy) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, and Jason (Karen Pohlad) Middendorf of Sauk Centre; 29 grandchildren and one great- grandchild; brothers and sisters, George (Marilyn) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, William Middendorf of Sauk Centre, Roy (Adeline) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, Joseph, Jr. (Luella) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, Victor (Florence) Middendorf of Melrose, Margaret Klassen of Sauk Centre, Betty (Ronald) Thieschafer of Melrose, and Jerry (Diane) Middendorf of Sauk Centre.
Art was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph Middendorf; sister-in-law, Edna Middendorf; and brother-in-law, John Klassen.
Serving as casket bearers were Michael Knoblauch, Patrick Knoblauch, David Hinnenkamp Jr., Nicholas Hinnenkamp, Ryan Middendorf and Mitchell Middendorf. Cross bearer was Adam Sunder and scripture bearer was Kristina Sunder. Servers were Brandon, Grace and Hannah Middendorf. Serving as gift bearers were Molly, Kendra and Samantha Middendorf. Readers were Emily and Lizzy Gillingham and Rachel Middendorf. Serving as Eucharistic Ministers were Darlene Dols and Ruth Ann Zastrow.
Serving as honorary bearers were Art and JoAnn’s current and former neighbors, Jerry and Diane Middendorf, Ronnie and Kathy Kettler, Gene and MaryAnn Middendorf, Jerry and Bev VanHavermaet, Monica Ahrens, Mike and Doreen Merten, Tom and Kim Schneider, Dennis and Diane Muellner, David and Tammy Marthaler, Bob and Mary Douvier, Kevin and Marlene Gwost, LeRoy and Carol Dierkhising and Vern Beckermann
Arrangements were made by Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.