Arthur was born Feb. 26, 1935, to Martin S. and Adele H. (Lehman) Woelfel. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale. He attended the church grade school and then graduated from Thorndale High School in 1953.

After working in Austin a few years, Arthur enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1957 to 1961. Upon discharge, he returned to Thorndale and went to work for ALCOA, retiring in the 1990s. He also began farming in the 1960s and continued until his health would no longer allow.

Arthur was a character and often amused himself and others with his shenanigans. He enjoyed music, as evidenced by his radio music filling his room and sometimes the hall at S.P.J.S.T. He played the tuba in the high school band and both tuba and accordion in a band with several of his cousins. He loved playing 42, 84 and Skat with family on Sunday afternoons and in tournaments throughout Central Texas. The John and Ida Woelfel Family Reunion was started by him in the 1970s and continues to this day.

He served as assistant superintendent of the St. Paul Sunday School program for several years and was an avid supporter of the Lutheran Hour Ministry.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Melva Richter.

He is survived by a sister, Dee Richter of Thorndale; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation was held Friday, May 3, from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Funeral services were held Friday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thorndale with Pastor Jeff Doria officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Vincent Richter, Steve Richter, Edgar Iselt, Alan Korenek, Anthony Rippamonti, Lance Berdoll and Richard Schneider. Clifton Lehman will serve as honorary pallbearer.

The family would like to thank the staff of S.P.J.S.T. Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Taylor for their loving care of Arthur over the past five years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church General Fund, P.O. Box 369, Thorndale, TX 76577.