Arthur V. Donaldson

Racine – Arthur Vernon Donaldson, age 94, passed away peacefully in his recliner on August 15, 2013 at the Elizabeth Residence after a lovely evening spent by having dinner and conversation with his beautiful bride of 71 years, Betty.

Arthur was born in Niagra, WI on May 17, 1919 to the late Arthur and Mae (nee: Skog) Donaldson. On July 2, 1942 in Oklahoma City, OK he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Betty Marie (nee: Johnson). They were truly blessed with a lifelong marriage full of constant love and happiness – and still kissed and shared an “I Love You” before bed every night.

Arthur faithfully served our Country with the United States Army Air Corps from January 26, 1942 – December 9, 1945 where he was awarded Carbine Caliber Expert, American Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon and WWII Victory Medal.

Art was a longtime employee of the Ladish Company until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of Bethania Lutheran Church and the American Legion. He was passionate about fishing and camping with his family. Arthur, a true gentleman, had a tremendous strive for being the best husband, father & grandfather that anyone could ask for……a goal he certainly accomplished.

Surviving are his loving wife, Betty; their children, Joan Feest, William (Sally) Donaldson,   Robert (Pat) Donaldson, Ronald Donaldson, Stephen Donaldson, Carol Schowalter and David (Elizabeth) Donaldson; many treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Gerald Donaldson; sister, Ardice Spencer;  brother-in-law, Harold (Riese) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Ruth Anger, Jane (Richard) Nauman, Celia Johnson and Louise Johnson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian (Lori) Donaldson; daughter-in-law, Lollie Donaldson; sisters, Cynthia Horvath and Beverly Donaldson; brothers, Clinton and Donald Donaldson; sister-in-law, Grace Donaldson;  brothers-in-law, Albert Johnson, Bill Anger and James Johnson; and by Betty’s parents, William and Ethel (nee: Greene) Johnson.

In accordance with Arthur’s wishes, private funeral services for immediate family members will be held in the chapel of West Lawn Memorial Park. Military honors will follow. Entombment will take place in the mausoleum of West Lawn Memorial Park.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. John Martini and to everyone at Elizabeth Residence, not only for the  compassionate care and support, but for the friendship extended in Arthur’s time of need. May God bless all of you!