Robert Artz
November 7, 1927 ~ October 23, 2017
Our treasured father, Robert John Artz, entered into eternal life October 23, 2017. Bob, as he preferred, was born on November 7, 1927 to Ralph and Frances Artz, in Aberdeen, SD. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville, MN before entering the US Navy in 1945, serving until 1950 as a Naval Aviator. Bob attended both the University of VA and Northern State College in Aberdeen where he met Marcella (Sally) Longen on a blind date. Upon discharge from the Navy, he entered the family business, Artz Studio and Camera Supply with his father. The company was founded in 1896 by Bob’s grandfather, Arnold in Bowdle, SD. He married Sally in 1952 in Aberdeen. They had four treasured children, Barb (Butch), Kathy (Bug), Dave (Little Buddy), and James.
Bob and his brother Don became co-owners of the family business with Bob named as president. In 1968, the family moved to Fargo, ND, where he assumed direct management of Kota Kraft, Inc., the photofinishing division of the company both in Fargo and Aberdeen. Kota Kraft and Artz Camera Supply merged and was renamed Monarch Photo, Inc. In addition to the photo labs serving several states, the company had four retail/studio locations. Five generations of family have worked in the business. Bob retired in 2007 at the age of 79. He always felt blessed to be entrusted to preserving people’s memories and that he couldn’t have had a better job.
Bob was a man of integrity, passion, and love. He lived life to the fullest. His humor and wit were matched by his beloved wife Sally. Walking into their home, one was always greeted with a grand smile and warm welcome. As a family we always knew how much Dad loved Mom sometimes dipping her in the kitchen to give her a kiss before dinner. Family life was extremely important to Dad where we enjoyed photography, fishing, downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, Sunday drives, travel, sailing, hunting, and scuba diving. His favorite activities were his passion for nature and wildlife photography, fishing from the time he was a boy, creating family memories at the lake house in MN and being a voracious reader. He also maintained his pilot’s license after leaving the Navy with a partial ownership in a small plane.
Having a deep and passionate faith, Dad taught Baptismal Preparation classes for 25 years, served on the Bishops Council, and studied for the Permanent Deaconate.
Dad was active in several organizations over the years, including but not limited to, the Buck Rogers Group, South Dakota Jaycees, Elks, Knights of Columbus, and the Photo Marketing Association Intl. He held several offices within these and other organizations, most notably as President of Photo Marketing Association from 1976-1977 and President of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce in 1961.
In more recent years Dad became primary caregiver to Mom always feeling blessed he could do so. His own health declined after Sally’s passing. He always maintained his signature positive outlook and quick wit. A special part time caregiver, Angela was a favorite.
Bob is survived by his children Barbara (Vernon) Kroshus, Moorhead MN, Kathryn (Dean) Long, Phoenix Arizona, and David Artz, Fargo ND; grand-children, Shannon Thompson, Vernon Jr. Kroshus, Justin Kroshus, and Matthew Artz; great grand-children, Tyler, Hayden, and Sydney Thompson, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his parents, his sister Bernadine, brother Don, and infant son James.
Visitation will also be held Sunday, October 29 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, with prayer service at 7:00 PM at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, October 30 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley.
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Rest in Peace Mr Artz as we called him since he was our boss/employer back in the mid 70’s at Kota Kraft. At the time I was 19 years old a single mom and a young son to care for. The Froum had done an article on me and my son and our situation and it was published in the paper. The next day at work I saw Mr. Artz come in the front door of the office and watch quickly to his office. Within a minute he was coming out of his office and up to my work station and asked me to come into his office. As I sat at his table he explained to me that he had read the article in the paper and was touched by my situation. One of the main issues is I had no car nor could I afford to get one. He said to me he wanted to help and asked me how much money I would need to get a decent car. I told him $500. (Back then you could get a decent car for that amt). He told me he would loan me the money interest free and that whatever I could afford per month as a paymt back he could have it deducted from my check even if it was just $20. I walked back to my desk amazed that someone would even care let alone find a way to help me. But that was the kind of man he was. He opened his heart and his life up to those around him and was a blessing to many as a result. I will never forget his kindness and the fact that he must have believed in me and trusted me and saw value in me in order to do what he did. He talked once during a meeting about a saying JFK said “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” I knew that was important to him and that he lived that out in his life. I had the saying printed out and framed for him as a thank you for his kindness. I was overwhelmed when I saw he valued it enough to hang it in his office. I am now a 62 year old woman with 5 children and 9 grandchildren of my own and I actually am driving a fairly nice car, however it didn’t cost me $500. :0) I will never forget the impact he had on me and the healing he brought me. God Bless his family. God’s strength and peace to you as you grieve this tremendous man you were fortunate enough to have as your father!! My prayers and thoughts are with you. Enjoy being back home with God Mr Artz!!!! We will see you again sometime!!!
Janis (Schroeder) Botner
So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a wonderful man and encouraged me so much in my pursuit of photography and business. I will always remember an amazing trip we took decades ago to photograph polar bears on the shores of Hudson Bay. I learned so much him on that trip! His love of photography was only exceeded by his love of family. He truly was an inspiration to me and I am sure many others!
Very sorry for your loss, Kathy and family. Your dad was a remarkable man of great honesty and integrity. I have thought of him many times over the years. I admired and respected him and was happy to see him a couple of summers ago at Sacred Heart Church in Frazee. The more stories I hear about him, the more impressed I am. Best wishes to all during this difficult time.
Kathy, I just recently (last 3 yrs) met your dad at Pickerel Lake when you would bring him home from Fargo. I could see his love of just hanging out in the woods at the lake doing what he could. I can imagine his love of his family, being at the lake, and photography, as those are my loves too and it doesn’t get much better then that. He lived a full wonderful life of exploration and touched many people along the way. I’m so happy you were able to come back from AZ to give your dad time at the lake. It touches my heart the special bond you shared with him. I wish I could meet the rest of your siblings, but because of some medical testing already scheduled I am unable to attend. My condolences to all the family. I can imagine the twinkle in your eye (like your dad) in all of you! Peace and healing prayers to the family in saying your last goodbyes to your dad.
Dear David,
Please know of my love and prayers during this time. I have always remembered your dad as a very special man. When we were young students at Holy Spirit a person didn’t really ‘know’ classmates parents….we simply knew ‘of’ them. I always loved seeing a special sparkle in your dad’s eyes when he would smile. May he be at peace in the arms of the Lord whom he loved so dearly and may God surround you in His love.
Love,
Mary Jo
Although it’s been years since we’ve seen uncle Bob, I do enjoy all the face book photos you post! You have his same love of photography! Uncle Bob and Aunt Sally were very special people and I know it must have been very difficult when your mom passed. He was very lucky to have a wonderful family as your love and caring for him truly shows through all your photos. Prayers to all of you for strength during this difficult time.
Dear Kathy,
I am so very sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. Good men who are intelligent, funny, compassionate and kind, who then become great dads, are so hard to say goodbye to. I know. May God ease some of your pain.
Julie
Bob was one of my favorite people. He reminded me of my father in terms of kindness and Integrity. He gave me a job traveling for Monarch Photo and that was the basis for my career in sales. Over the last couple of years it’s been a sheer joy to be able to visit with Bob at the lake. His daughter Kathy is a dear friend and exhibits many of the same wonderful qualities as Bob. Bob will be greatly missed but I know he is reunited with his true love, Sally and now he is pain free. God bless you Bob!
Sending Bob’s family my heartfelt sympathies on the passing of this wonderfully kind, patient man whom I came to love like a dad. He was one of a kind. God’s blessings to you all.
Dear Kathy and Barb, I will always remember your parents as kind, generous and humble … truly great examples for all of us. I’m sure you cherish many fond memories, as do those of us who knew them in the photo industry. Our condolences in the passing of your parents.
Sincerely,
Tom Brady
Camera Craft
Rockford, Illinois
Barbara and Kathy, and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Dean and I so enjoyed your Dad and Mom as next door neighbors in Aberdeen. I think of many fond memories and also the memories of you girls and our boys(Wade & Kent) playing in the back yards. My Dean passed away in December of 2008. May God Bless. Love & prayers, Shirley Chambers
Our deepest sympathy to Bob’s Family. I worked for Bob for 2 years and we had some great talks. He truly loved and cared for Sally. His photography was wonderful and I enjoyed my time at Monarch Photo. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest sympathy at the passing of your father, Bob Artz. He was wonderful to work with on the Ramada Plaza Suites Project back in the 90’s when I had him make 473 photographic reproductions of my art for the suites and frame them as well. I could tell he cared deeply for his employees and their welfare was utmost on his mind. I am glad to have met you, Kathy and Barbara. The two of you and your brother were blessed to have such an upstanding man for your father. Love and prayers.
We were out of tbe country and just recently returned to learn of this sad news. Bob gave me my first job for which I have always been grateful. He took a risk with me when he could have easily played it safe. I am so grateful that I got to speak with him one last time when he lived in Riverview. Bob was a person of integrity. Even when he disagreed with someone, he was always one that would work the hardest to learn what may be on the other side of the argument. He will be remembered and misses by all those he touched in his long and productive life.
What a nice man and great neighbor to my parents on Pickerel Lake. His photographs should be on permanent exhibit.
My deepest condolences to Bob’s family, the loss of a loved comes with undescribable pain. Sometimes we may think we are alone, however Psalms 34:18 assures “Jehovah is close to the broken hearted” it is comforting to know you are not alone. I hope my words have brought hope to your hearts.
Kathy,barb,David..sorry for your loss. Your dad taught me a lot. He was such a futuristic with buck Rodgers and his other eduicational programs. I still think of him often In a very respectaful way. Best wishes to all of you. Mike Pitzel