Arthur M. Van De Water, Jr. ’60 died on August 21, 2023, in River Falls, Wisconsin.
(The following was provided by Summit Funeral & Cremation on August 27, 2023)
Arthur MacDonnell VanDeWater, Jr. ’60
Arthur MacDonnell VanDeWater (“Art”), devoted husband, father and papa Art, 85, of River Falls, WI. passed away peacefully August 21, 2023. with his loving wife, daughter and son-in-law by his side.
He was born on August 14, 1938, in Scarsdale, New York, to Arthur M. and Sylvia VanDeWater. Art graduated from Scarsdale H.S. (1956) and went on to receive a degree in mathematics from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME, (1960) and a PhD from the University of South Carolina (1967). Art was a professor of mathematics at Winona State University for thirty-one years. He also taught at Högskolan i Borås in Sweden (1990) where he and his family made many lifelong friends; they returned often and it continues to hold a special place in their hearts.
Art married Roxie Nelson on August 2, 1986, in Fridley, MN. The two were each other’s lifelong companions and best friends. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Lindsay, whose bond with her father was undeniable. Art was a man of many incredible talents and pursuits. He was an Eagle Scout, sailing teacher, pilot, master woodworker, and enthusiastic model railroad guy. He was also an incredibly gifted musician. He was a life member of SPEBSQSA (Barbershop Harmony Society) and a barbershop singer/director for over sixty years. He also played the guitar, banjo, and a mean piano. Other interests included serving on ski patrol (thirty-four years), racquet sports, extensive traveling, and an amazing dedication to serving his church.
Art is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years. Roxie; his daughter; Lindsay Fahl (Jason); his cherished granddaughter and “pizza buddy”, Finna Vivian; his siblings Cole VanDeWater (Lydia), and Anne McComisky (Frank); in-laws Jerry and Julie Nelson; and many relatives and friends, near and far.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Art will be especially remembered for his humble, gentle leadership and his servant’s heart. His faith and family were of utmost importance to him and his greatest sources of joy.
Although Art was in a different fraternity and we had different majors, our paths crossed enough that I found him to be most likeable classmate. I remember his very pleasant demeanor and but for a couple of reunions, I regret that our paths didn’t cross more after graduation.
Art and I were roommates in the Beta Theta Pi house for most of my time at Bowdoin. Singing, hockey, and mathematics were among our many close connections. We both became math teachers because as Bowdoin math majors we were profoundly inspired by the teaching of Richard Chittim.
What a good guy Art was. I’ll miss him a lot.