Obituary of Arthur Paul Wilhelmi, D.D.S.

Arthur Paul Wilhelmi D.D.S., age 89 After a full and meaningful life, Dr. Arthur Paul Wilhelmi is at rest and home now with his Lord. Art's valiant and loving heart, weakened by 46 years of heart disease, has stopped beating. Yet his spirit is more alive than ever. Art was born March 22, 1927 in Joliet, the son of the late Arthur C. and Anne (Barthelme) Wilhelmi. He was a lifelong resident. Art grew up in Joliet's St. John the Baptist Parish and attended grade school there with many fond memories graduating with the Class of 1940. During his senior year at Joliet Catholic High School, Art and a senior classmate enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Art spent the remainder of the war in Alaska as a radio operator. Art's father was allowed by Joliet Catholic to accept Art's high school diploma, graduating with the Class of 1944. Upon coming home from the service Art attended St. Bede's Preparatory School for the seminary, then Joliet Junior College, Washington University and he graduated from the St. Louis School of Dentistry with the Class of 1955. He loved dentistry and his patients, serving the community for 40 years. Art loved playing cards, the piano, guitar and golf with his buddies, as well as picnics at Coal City with the Adler and Hills families. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling and most of all, being with his beloved family. Survived by his loving wife, Mary Beth (Adler) Wilhelmi of Joliet; children, Steve (Sara) Wilhelmi and thier children, Adam (Nikki), Jason and Alex (Savanna) Wilhelmi; Mimi (Tyler) Ford and her children, Matthew (Danielle) Emich, Elena (Scott) Perlman and Tommy Emich; David (Maggie) Wilhelmi and children, Katelyn, Erin and Sheila Wilhelmi; Lauri (Gary) Scott and children, Patrick, Justin, Ethan and Andrew Scott; Kati (Mike) Bennett and children, Colleen, Tim and Stephen Bennett; A.J. (Michelle) Wilhelmi and children, Maycen Pirc, Laine and Marin Wilhelmi; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Natalie Emich, Breanna and McKenna Wilhelmi, Lilly and Leo Wilhelmi and Ella June Perlman; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his infant daughter, Sara Lynn (1966); and his sister, Donna Hills and his best friend and brother-in-law, John Hills. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. J.D. Wright and the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice, especially Michelle and Margi, for all their loving care. Visitation for Arthur Paul Wilhelmi D.D.S. will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave. until Mass of Christian Burial to be Celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Immediately following Mass, all friends and relatives will be invited to a luncheon in honor and in celebration of Dr. Art Wilhelmi's life. Private interment will take place at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice, Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate or Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home would be greatly appreciated. For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.