Obituaries

Richard E. “Dick” Artz, 80

April 13, 2016

Richard E. “Dick” Artz, 80, of Eden, Pennsylvania died on April 13, 2016 at Hospice and Community Care in Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania. He had been battling prostate cancer for more than ten years.
Mr. Artz was born May 1, 1935 in Spring Glen, Pennsylvania, located in Schuylkill County, the son of Roy E. and Tillie S. Artz. He attended Thaddeus Stevens Trade School (now Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology), graduating as class valedictorian in 1954. He married Judith M. Wade of Quarryville, Pennsylvania on November 25, 1959.
A skilled and creative craftsman, Mr. Artz founded Art Craft Cabinets, Incorporated in Lancaster in 1974. His business thrives today and many homes and businesses throughout the mid-Atlantic states are fortunate to feature his beautiful, unique workmanship.
Mr. Artz is well-known for his large, elaborate gardens. He was a Master Gardener who produced huge quantities of premium produce both for his family’s eager consumption and to share generously with his many friends. Mr. Artz prepared delicious feasts for family and friends, too, trying new recipes and techniques to perfect each dish. Serving as Judge of Elections, he treated the polling place staff to a highly anticipated meal each election day.
His rural childhood fostered a lifelong love of the outdoors. Mr. Artz was an avid hunter, fisherman, and backpacker. He served many years as Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 83 of Eden, Pennsylvania, leading outings to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, as well as many hikes and canoe trips throughout the region.
Mr. Artz was a loving and beloved family man. He is survived by his spouse of 56 years, Judith Wade Artz of Eden, PA; son R. Edward Artz and his wife LaShawn Kendrick of Downingtown, PA; son Timothy J. Artz and his wife Dorothy S. Artz of Oakton, VA; and daughter Pamela G. Artz and her husband James D. Yoder of Leola, PA. He is survived by six grandchildren, Theodore, Samuel, Camilla, Adrianna, and Rodrick Yoder, children of Pamela and James, and Benjamin Artz, son of Timothy and Dorothy. He has two surviving siblings, Roy E. Artz, Jr. of Willow Street, PA and Eleanore Morgan of Lititz, PA. He was predeceased by sister Geraldine Spangler of Carlsbad, CA.
Mr. Artz will be remembered for his teasing humor, generosity, knowledge of many subjects, and strong devotion to his family. Mr. Artz was a member of Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on May 7, 2016 at Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, 2555 Horseshoe Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601. Visitation with the family starts at 2pm.
Please donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (pcf.org or 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401) and the Boy Scouts of America (aplacetogive.scouting.org) in lieu of flowers.

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Condolences to the Family

May 03, 2016

Aunt Judy and Family,
I want to send huge hugs and love to all of you. Uncle Dick was a very special person, and he will be greatly missed! I have such wonderful memories of spending time at your house with all of you. To this day I still grill squash the way Uncle Dick taught me many many years ago during one of our trips back to PA. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
April Bellon (Prosser)

April 27, 2016

To the Family of Richard E. “Dick” Artz
Judy & Family, Sorry your husband passed away but you will always have beautiful memories to sustain you during this time of sorrow. Now you know he will not suffer anymore and will be at peace.
We will not be able to attend his services but extend our sympathy to your family. Love & Prayers, Jennie & Jim Herrold

April 26, 2016

To the Family and Friends of Dick Artz:When my wife, Marga, and I moved to Lancaster in May, 1998, we bought a house which needed updating, but we knew no one and were told that all the people who did house renovations were already contracted out. We were in a bind, but then somehow we heard about Dick Artz. He came and looked over what we wanted done, and started immediately, bringing some of his craftsmen friends. Dick had several ideas of making the changes which we found to be very helpful. Dick was a very friendly and well informed man, and he helped us to find our way as newcomers to Lancaster. When we took up the wall-to-wall carpeting in strips, Dick recycled it as paving on the aisles between the beds in his extensive vegetable garden. The work that he and his crew did for us 18 years ago is still appreciated for its quality and artistic aspect. When we drove out Route 23, we would look to see Dick’s house and gardens and send him a silent word of thanks.We know you feel the loss of husband and father, and we hope that knowing that his work and kindness live on in our house and our memories will be some consolation.With our best wishes and thanks,Charles and Marga Lane

April 25, 2016

Judy and Pam:
I am so very sorry. I know that it was a long battle and that it is so very sad that he is gone. It has been a rough year for our fathers.
There is so much love and warmth in the Artz family that I know his memory will live on.
Fondly,
Jan (Yoder)

April 25, 2016

I will definitely be thinking of Dick when I go to vote tomorrow. He always had a smile and story to share with everyone. I will also miss seeing him work in his garden as I drive past and admire all his hard work – – yours too Judy. He certainly made a great impact on his family, friends and community. Rebecca Hennessy

April 24, 2016

I’m sorry to hear that Dick is gone; he will leave a void for all who knew him, especially within his family. But he will live on in pleasant memories. He truly was a man worth knowing.
Edith Harnish

April 24, 2016

Judy,
I was so sorry to read about your husband. Even though I did not know him, he sounded like a wonderful person.
Jean Risk, Joann Glackin and I still get together at Jean’s home as she has a hard time getting around. I have moved to Willow Valley.
Again, I am so sorry. June Stauffer Howell

Visitation: Saturday, May 07, 2016; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Salem Evangelical Reformed Church; 2555 Horseshoe Rd; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Saturday, May 07, 2016; 3:00 PM; Salem Evangelical Reformed Church; 2555 Horseshoe Rd; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >