Arthur John "Art" Witthoft, age 98, of Washington, Iowa, died Monday, February 11, 2013 following a short illness.

Celebration of life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2013 at the United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bob Wollenberg officiating. Visitation will begin noon Thursday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Interment with military honors conducted by Washington American Legion Post 29 will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for the United Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for Art's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Art was born March 16, 1914, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Henry John William and Frieda Catherine (Schultz) Witthoft. He attended school in Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1932. On June 28, 1943, Art was united in marriage to Martha E. Wylie in Washington, Iowa.

Art was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Army from 1942 until 1945 in the 79th Infantry Division, later to become known as the famous 79th. Art was battlefield commissioned as Second Lieutenant. He farmed all of his life in the Keota community and northeast of Washington, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Washington where he was an Elder and served as Sunday School Superintendent for 42 years. Art was a 4-H Leader and a member of D.A.V.(Disabled American Veterans). He enjoyed spending time with and playing cards with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Martha E. Witthoft of Washington, Iowa; son, William "Bill" Witthoft and wife Kay of Washington, Iowa; son, James "Jim" Witthoft and wife Linda of Ainsworth, Iowa; daughter, Kathy Witthoft and friend Tom Hartsock of Ainsworth, Iowa; five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Art is also survived by his brother Ralph Witthoft and wife Martha I. of Washington, Iowa; sister, Louise Armstrong of Bellevue, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Evelyn Witthoft of Washington, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Witthoft; grandson, Brian Witthoft; sister, Frances Miller; and brothers Wilbur, Ernest, Wayne and infant brother Raymond Witthoft.