Father Arthur Koth

Koth, Arthur R. MCFARLAND/MADISON-Father Arthur R. Koth, age 79, of Madison, formerly of McFarland, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, following a long struggle with Alzheimers. He was born on July 26, 1930, in Milwaukee, the son of Frank and Julia (Plato) Koth. Father Art graduated from Marquette University High School, Milwaukee, in 1948. He received degrees from St. Francis Seminary College in Milwaukee and Immaculate Conception Benedictine School of Theology in Conception, Mo. Father Art was ordained to the priesthood on April 6, 1957 at Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Conception, Mo. His special assignments included: Assistant Pastor at St. Dennis Catholic Church, Madison from April 1957 until June 1960, Assistant Pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Madison from June 1960 until June 1963, instructor at Edgewood High School from September 1960 until June 1963, and Assistant Pastor at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, Westport from June 1963 until June 1964. He also proudly served as Chaplain of K.C. Council 4527. In June 1964, he was appointed to the faculty of Holy Name Seminary, Madison, where he served as instructor, unit moderator, and athletic director until June 1974. In June 1974, Father Art was appointed to be the founding pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church, McFarland, where he served until his retirement in June 2000. Father Art was a member of Knights of Columbus, McFarland Lions Club, and McFarland Chamber of Commerce. In 1991, Father Art was honored as the recipient of the 1991 McFarland Citizen of the Year award. Father Art is survived by a sister, Audrey Dropp; nieces, Barbara Dropp, Donna (Jerry) Gariety, Michelle (Don) Ricco, and Susanne (Rick) Lichter; nephews, Mark (Gloria) Koth, Gary Koth, Dan Koth, and Tom (Sara) King; great-nieces, Sara, Lisa and Dana Koth; great-nephews, Sean (Jodie) and Kyle Gariety, and Justin and Nicholas Haller; a great-great-niece, Aubrie Gariety; and Thereses husband, Kevin Haller. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bruce; brother-in-law, Roger Dropp; sisters-in-law, Patsy Koth and Marjorie Koth; and a niece, Therese Haller. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St., McFarland, at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, with the Most Rev. William H. Bullock, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Madison presiding, the Rev. Monsignor Michael Burke as homilist, retired auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz and the Rev. Monsignor Daniel Ganshert concelebrating. Visitation will be at the church from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Burial will be in the family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for Masses, to HospiceCare Inc., Madison, St. Raphaels Society of the Diocese of Madison, and St. Vincent De Paul Society.The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the members of Christ the King Parish, who supported him throughout his years of service and afterwards with many acts of kindness and loyalty. The family also wishes to express its gratitude to those members of the OKoth Housing Associates, who provided for his condominium at Cherokee Park; to the staffs of the Bishop OConnor Center and All Saints Assisted Living Center for the loving and supportive care for the past two years; and to Pat, Alvina and Ann, who provided support for him especially in his retirement years; and especially to HospiceCare for the thoughtful and tender attention during his final weeks. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers5203 Monona Drive(608) 221-5420www.gundersonfh.com Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for Masses, to HospiceCare Inc., Madison, St. Raphael's Society of the Diocese of Madison, and St. Vincent De Paul Society. Cemetery: Burial will be in the family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. Visitation: Visitation will be at the church from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St., McFarland, at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, with Bishop Emeritus William H. Bullock presiding and Monsignor Daniel Ganshert concelebrating.